– Shigella is a drug-resistant stomach bug that causes fever, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

– The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a rise in cases linked to the drug-resistant strain since 2015.

– The inability to treat infections with medication led health officials to call it a “serious public health threat.”

– Shigella spreads easily through direct and surface contact with an infected person’s feces, and can cause severe illness or even death if left untreated.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning of the rise in a strain of drug-resistant stomach bug Shigella, which is infecting thousands of Americans annually. Shigella causes symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach pain, and has been a serious public health threat since officials noticed a rise in cases linked to the drug-resistant strain since 2015. The inability to treat infections with medication has made this situation even worse. The rise in the XDR strain of Shigella has been commonly seen in homeless people, international travelers, men who have sex with men, and immunocompromised individuals.

According to the CDC, the Shigella bacteria spreads quickly through direct and surface contact with an infected person’s feces, and it can lead to a form of dysentery named shigellosis, which is considered one of the leading causes of death linked to diarrhea around the world. Currently, it causes fewer than five deaths per year in the US. However, if left untreated, it could cause severe illness or even death.

To prevent the spread of Shigella, proper hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing should be followed. While many cases can be managed through hydration and rest, it is crucial to seek medical attention if the symptoms persist. With the rise in the XDR strain, it is essential to take preventive measures seriously to prevent further outbreaks.

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