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An infection with shigella (shih-GEL-uh) bacteria is called shigellosis (shih-guh-LOW-sus). It can cause watery diarrhea or diarrhea with blood and/or mucus in it.
Besides diarrhea, shigellosis can cause:
Shigellosis can lead to dehydration. In rare cases, other problems like arthritis, seizures, and kidney problems can happen.
Shigellosis is very contagious. It is most common in younger children, so outbreaks can happen in childcare settings and schools. People can get infected through contact with something contaminated by stool (poop) from an infected person, such as:
Shigella bacteria also can spread via:
It doesn't take many bacteria to cause an infection, so the illness spreads easily in families and childcare centers. For instance, kids who touch a contaminated surface such as a toilet or toy and then put their fingers in their mouths can get shigellosis.
The bacteria can pass in a person's stool for about 4 weeks, even after the obvious symptoms of illness have gotten better.
To see if your child has shigellosis, the doctor will take a stool sample to test for Shigella bacteria.
Shigellosis often goes away without treatment. Doctors sometimes give antibiotics to those who have serious symptoms or other medical conditions. Antibiotics can shorten the illness and help prevent the spread of bacteria to others.
If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, give them as prescribed. Don't give your child nonprescription medicines for vomiting or diarrhea unless the doctor recommends them because they can make the illness last longer. You can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) to reduce fever and make your child more comfortable.
To prevent dehydration, follow your doctor's advice about what your child should eat and drink. Your doctor may recommend a special drink called an oral rehydration solution (such as Pedialyte) to replace lost body fluids.
Children who get dehydrated or those with more serious symptoms may need treatment in a hospital.
The best way to prevent shigellosis and many other infections is to wash hands well and often. This is especially important after using the toilet (or changing a diaper) and before eating or preparing food.
If you're caring for a child who has diarrhea, wash your hands before touching other people and before handling food. (Anyone with a diarrhea should not prepare food for others.) Clean and disinfect any toilet used by someone with shigellosis often.
Also:
Call the doctor if your child has signs of shigellosis, such as watery diarrhea, diarrhea with blood or mucus, or belly pain.
Also call the doctor if your child has diarrhea and shows signs of dehydration, such as:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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