Shigella are non-motile gram-negative bacilli that can cause diarrheal illness in humans. Symptoms of a Shigella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps that begin 24 to 48 hours after exposure. The diarrhea is often bloody. Shigella infections can be treated with antibiotics although mild infections resolve quickly, about 5 to 7 days, without antibiotic treatment. Antidiarrheal agents are likely to make the illness worse and should be avoided. Over two-thirds of all Shigella infections in the United States are caused by Shigella sonnei. Most Shigella infections occur when the bacteria are passed from stool or soiled fingers of one person to the mouth of another person. This situation arises when hygiene and hand washing habits are inadequate. Shigella infections can also occur if a person drinks or swims in contaminated water. Many Shigella infections can be prevented with thorough hand washing with soap, as well as supervision of the hand washing of toddlers and small children after toilet use.

Table 1: Shigella in Maryland Residents 1998-2002

Graph 1: Shigella in Maryland Residents- 5 year trend

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Emerging Infections Program
201 W. Preston St., 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6234
Fax: 410-725-4825
Email: MDEIP@dhmh.state.md.us