What is Shigella?

Shigella infection, also called shigellosis, is caused by the Shigella bacteria. Shigella bacteria can be spread through contact with the faeces (poo) of an infected person, or through drinking and eating contaminated water or food. It usually causes diarrhoea.

What are the symptoms of Shigella?

Symptoms of Shigella infection include:

• diarrhoea
• fever
• nausea
• blood or mucous in the faeces
• vomiting and stomach cramps can also occur

The symptoms usually begin 1-3 days after you become infected. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, but can last longer. For some people, symptoms may not begin for up to 1 week, or they may not develop symptoms at all.

How is Shigella spread?

Shigella is found in faeces (poo). You can get a Shigella infection by:

• eating food or water contaminated with the bacteria
• touching contaminated objects such as taps, nappies and toys and then touching your mouth
• having oral or anal sex with an infected person

Who is at risk of getting Shigella?

People most at risk of Shigella infection include:

• people who travel to countries where Shigella is common
• men who have sex with men
• children
• people with poor immune systems
• elderly

How is Shigella prevented?

To avoid getting Shigella infection, you should:

• wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds:
  • after going to the toilet
  • after changing nappies
  • after any possible exposure to faecal material
  • before handling food or caring for other people
• wash vegetables and fruit that are eaten raw

People travelling to countries where Shigella is common should also:

• avoid uncooked foods, including fruit and vegetables unless you are able to peel them yourself
• drink only bottled or boiled water
• not drink untreated water, including ice and drinks mixed with water
• avoid eating from street stalls
• ensure hot food is thoroughly cooked and eaten while hot

People who have Shigella infection should:

• not prepare food or care for others while they are sick
• not go to work while they have symptoms. Food handlers (such as kitchen staff, waiters, and butchers), and those who care for patients, children or the elderly, should not return to work until 48 hours after their diarrhoea has stopped. Children, particularly those in nappies, should be kept home from childcare until 24 hours after their diarrhoea has stopped
• not have sex where there is any contact with the anus, to avoid transmitting Shigella to the mouth
• not swim until 2 weeks after their diarrhoea has stopped

How is Shigella diagnosed?

A doctor will test a faeces (poo) sample.

How is Shigella treated?

People with Shigella infection are usually prescribed antibiotics by their doctor to reduce the severity and length of illness. Antibiotics may also shorten the time for which the person is infectious to others. Drinking plenty of fluid is important to avoid dehydration. Young children (particularly infants) are at risk of dehydration from diarrhoea, and parents should seek medical attention.

What is the public health response?

Laboratories are required to notify cases of Shigella to the local Public Health Unit. Public health unit staff will interview cases and their carers and try to identify the source of infection and control further cases.

Additional resources

For further advice, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 for free and confidential language support. Tell them your language and that you want to speak to:

• your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055
• healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free 24-hour health advice​.