What is the Shigella germ... and how can it be treated and avoided?

Weather of Arabia - Shigella infection is caused by an intestinal infection of the Shigella bacteria , which is a highly contagious germ that is usually active in the fall, and infects children more, and below we will learn about the symptoms of infection and ways to treat it, and how we can protect ourselves and avoid infection.

Symptoms of Shigella infection

People with shigella infection usually begin to feel symptoms one to two days after coming into contact with the germs. Symptoms include:

• diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• Fever
• stomach pain
• Feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowel is empty
• Some people with shigellosis may not have any symptoms.

Symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days , but some people may experience symptoms as long as a few days to 4 weeks or more, and in some cases, it may take several months before bowel habits become completely normal.

When do you need to see a doctor?

People with diarrhea should see their doctor if they have any of these symptoms:

• Fever
• bloody diarrhea
• Severe stomach cramps or pain
• drought
• feeling nauseous
• People in poor health or who have a weakened immune system due to diseases (or chemotherapy for cancer).

Diagnosis

Shigella infection is diagnosed after symptoms are recognized, through the results of a laboratory analysis of an infected person's stool sample.

treatment

Mild cases usually go away on their own within a week. When treatment is needed, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics. There are some important recommendations for the patient to follow:

• People with shigella infection should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• People with bloody diarrhea should not use antidiarrheal medications, as these medications may worsen symptoms.
• If the doctor prescribes an antibiotic, take it exactly as directed and finish all the pills even if the patient feels better.

sources of infection

People infected with the shigella germ have the bacteria in their stool during diarrhea and for up to one to two weeks after the diarrhea has cleared. Shigella is very contagious, and infection with the Shigella germ may occur in the following cases:

• Shigella is usually transmitted to a person due to contamination of hands with the germs when they touch their food or mouth. Hands can become contaminated when they touch surfaces contaminated with the germs from the stool of a sick person, such as toys, bathroom fixtures, and contaminated diapers or changing tables.
• Eating food prepared by someone who has shigella infection, especially raw foods contaminated with the germ.
• Shigella can contaminate fruits and vegetables if the fields in which it grows contain human waste.
• Swallowing contaminated water while swimming or drinking water contaminated with germs.

Methods of prevention

Understanding how shigella spreads can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick. Here are ways to prevent shigella infection:

1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating and before preparing food for others, as well as after changing a nappy or helping to clean a child after using the bathroom.
2. If you care for a child with shigella infection, immediately dispose of soiled diapers in a covered, lined trash can, wash hands and the child's hands carefully with soap and water immediately after diaper changes , and promptly clean up any spills of diaper contents.
3. Avoid swallowing water from untreated ponds, lakes, or swimming pools.
4. When traveling internationally, follow safe food and water guidelines and wash your hands often with soap and water.
5. If you are sick with Shigella infection, you can avoid infecting others and protect them from getting sick by: Washing your hands well, especially before preparing food or eating, and after using the bathroom, and preferably avoiding preparing food if you are sick.

With our best wishes for safety and good health to all