Drug Resistant Stomach Bug

The drug-resistant stomach bug called Shigella can spread on surfaces and through physical contact, and contaminated food or water. State health officials say the best way to prevent an infection is by making sure people are washing their hands.

THE CAUSE OF SHIGELLA OUTBREAK

The cause of the Shigella outbreak is mostly due to food contaminated by ill food handlers. It is also caused by fresh produce, such as tomatoes being contaminated in fields or elsewhere in production or distribution before being sold to the people.

Some other foods that are identified to be the cause of this stomach bug are:

• Salads (potato, shrimp, tuna, chicken, turkey, macaroni, fruit, and lettuce).
• Chopped turkey.
• Rice balls.
• Beans.
• Pudding.
• Strawberries.
• Spinach.
• Raw oysters.
• Luncheon meat.
• Milk.

Contamination of these or other foods is through the fecal–oral route.

Symptoms That Describe Shigella

Shigellosis signs and symptoms include:

1. Fever.
2. Stomach cramps.
3. Diarrhea (frequently bloody).
4. Abdominal pain.

Shigella infections can sometimes go away by the affected person, yet they can still spread the bacteria to others.

Shigellosis typically affects young children in the United States between the ages of 1-4, although the CDC has observed an increase in the following populations:

• Gay, bisexual, and other sex-active males.
• Those that are homeless.
• Often visiting foreign countries.
• Human immunodeficiency virus carriers (HIV).

  

The CDC advised healthcare professionals to consult a private treatment approach,” despite the fact that the majority of patients with diarrheal sickness just required “supportive care and fluid replenishment.”

The Best Treatment For Shigella

Therefore, most instances may be cured without drugs; waiting it out can take five to seven days in horrible conditions, according to The Hill. This specific strain is displaying some drug resistance, which serves as yet another reminder that it’s crucial to follow the directions on any prescription for antibiotics.

People with Shigella infection should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. People with bloody diarrhea should not use antidiarrheal medicines, such as loperamide (Imodium) or diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil). Antibiotics can shorten the time you have fever and diarrhea by about two days.

Furthermore, some people may experience symptoms for anywhere between a few days to four or more weeks.  For some people, it can take several months before their bowel habits—such as how frequently they pass stool and what their stool looks like—are completely normal.

More Important Information About Shigella

Each year, Shigella is thought to be responsible for 450,000 infections in the US and $93 million in direct medical expenses. There are four types of Shigella species.  Sonnei Shigella is the most common species in the United States. Shigellosis is a serious intestinal infection that represents a public health risk. It causes 60,000 deaths yearly and 140 million cases worldwide, 60% of which are children under the age of five.

Additionally, if Shigella if left without treatment, the colon could burst, resulting in peritonitis, a potentially fatal illness that needs immediate surgery. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is another somewhat uncommon complication that can arise after a Shigella infection (HUS).

Also, other alternatives to prevent this stomach bug can be. Take care when changing diapers and avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or swimming pools. When traveling internationally, follow safe food and water habits and wash hands often with soap and water.

Equally important, Shigella germs can be killed by hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. But, wash one’s hands with soap and water as soon as they can afterward because hand sanitizer may not be as effective if their hands are obviously greasy or dirty and do not always eliminate all sorts of bacteria.

Written by Kelianexis Rodriguez

Sources:

BBC News: Drug-resistant stomach bug Shigella on the rise, CDC warns