New outbreak fears as cases of drug-resistant bug spread sparking ‘public health alert’
A DEADLY drug-resistant stomach bug is on the rise in the US, health officials have warned.
Shigella bacteria causes fever, diarrhoea and stomach pain.
Since 2015, experts have noted a rise in cases linked to the drug-resistant XDR strain.
And recent surge in infections has prompted officials to call it a “serious public health threat”.
Without effective treatment, the bug could cause severe illness or even death.
In a statement on Friday, the (CDC) said five per cent of all shigella infections recorded in 2022 were from the XDR resistant strain – up from one per cent in 2019.
The increase in the XDR strain has most commonly been seen in homeless people, international travellers, men who have sex with men, and immunocompromised people, the CDC said.
“Given these potentially serious public health concerns, CDC asks healthcare professionals to be vigilant about suspecting and reporting cases of XDR shigella infection to their local or state health department and educating patients and communities at increased risk about prevention and transmission,” it explained.
What are the symptoms of shigella?
Symptoms usually start around two to five days after infection. And these include:
- Diarrhoea that can contain blood or mucus
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps and pains
- High temperatures
Source: NHS
Officials in the UK also warned last year of a “unusually high number of cases” linked to the XDR strain.
Those affected should drink fluids to prevent dehydration, and visit a doctor to see if antibiotics are required, the NHS states.
Paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the US and ibuprofen, work to ease headaches and high temperatures in less severe cases.
GPs should be notified if a child starts developing shigellosis symptoms.
How is shigella spread?
Anyone can catch shigella, making it all the more dangerous.
The infection is spread by faecal to oral infection, from person to person and from hand to mouth.
It is often contracted when victims fail to wash their hands properly after using the toilet, and spreads quickly from this point.
Shigella can also be passed on during anal sex.
To stop the bug spreading be sure to wash your hands, and instruct kids to wash theirs as frequently as they can with soap and water.
In addition to this, don’t share towels or flannels, or prepare or serve food for others.
Make a habit of regularly cleaning toilets with disinfectant by wiping the flush handle, toilet seat, bathroom taps and surfaces.