The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning the public about a drug-resistant stomach bug called Shigella, which is posing a serious public health threat.
Shigella is a type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain in those infected. The bacteria can spread quickly in places where people are in close contact, such as daycare centers, schools, nursing homes, and other places where people congregate.
The CDC reports that in the United States, Shigella infections have increased by 20 percent since 2013. The agency is concerned that the bacteria is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making it more difficult to treat.
The agency is urging people to take steps to prevent the spread of Shigella. These include washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing food. It is also important to avoid swimming in or drinking contaminated water.
In addition, the CDC recommends that people who are infected with Shigella should stay home from work or school until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours.
The agency is also urging healthcare providers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Shigella infection and to test for the bacteria in those who may have been exposed.
The CDC is warning the public that Shigella is a serious public health threat. The agency is urging people to take steps to prevent the spread of the bacteria, such as washing hands and avoiding swimming in or drinking contaminated water. Healthcare providers should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of Shigella infection and test for the bacteria in those who may have been exposed. By taking these steps, we can help protect ourselves and our communities from this drug-resistant stomach bug.