CDC Issues Public Health Alert About Diarrhea-Causing Infection
A new public health threat is emerging as the prevalence of a diarrhea-causing infection increases across the U.S. What do health officials say about this threat, its symptoms, and how to avoid being infected? We have all of the details here.
CDC Report Warns of Uptick in Diarrhea-Causing Infections
A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is raising concern about an increase in shigella infections. This infection is best known for causing diarrhea. According to the April 9 report from the CDC, this particular strain is resistant to drugs. In addition, there are no approved oral treatments from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning that sufferers simply have to ride it out.
The number of infections blamed on this strain has increased by 8.5% from 2011 to 2023, prompting federal health officials to declare it a public health threat. Shigella bacteria are blamed for approximately 450,000 infections each year across the country. The infection is easily passed between humans through fecal-oral transmission, through contaminated food and water, or through sexual contact.
The CDC report recommends strengthened surveillance processes to detect when and where the infection is spreading. Timely reporting of outbreaks and targeted prevention strategies are also necessary to limit the transmission of the drug-resistant shigella strains.
In the past, the illness triggered by shigella infections has typically affected children in the U.S. However, the CDC report details that the data from 2016 to 2023 indicate that more cases were reported in non-Hispanic White men.
The primary symptom of shigellosis is diarrhea. The diarrhea can be bloody or mucousy at times. The illness can also lead to fever, stomach pain, and nausea. Some sufferers will also experience what is known as tenesmus, a painful feeling of needing to have a bowel movement even when the gut is empty. Symptoms typically appear 1 to 2 days after the initial exposure.
Dehydration is the most common complication of shigellosis. More serious impacts include a specific type of kidney failure triggered by damage to red blood cells, reactive arthritis, and seizures. While the acute symptoms generally last 5 to 7 days, bowel habits may not become regular for several months.
The latest alert from the CDC comes after a 2023 health advisory warning about the same strain. The 2023 advisory warned that the drug-resistant strain was becoming an increasing threat in the U.S., compounded by the fact that the strain resists the most common oral antibiotics prescribed by health care officials.
Health experts warn that it is difficult to stop the increase of drug-resistant strains of these types of infectious illnesses once the strains begin to spread. This is especially true for strains with no effective treatment.
How to Protect Yourself Against Shigellosis
The CDC offered up several strategies for people to avoid contracting or spreading the shigella strain. The first line of defense is to wash hands frequently and properly. Using warm water, plenty of soap, and scrubbing for at least one minute is advised. It is particularly important to wash hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing and eating food.
With summer right around the corner, it is also important to avoid swallowing water when swimming. This strain circulates freely in untreated pools and natural bodies of water such as lakes and streams.
Food safety is critically important in the prevention of shigellosis. Recommended practices include washing raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cooking food to safe temperatures, cleaning and sanitizing utensils and preparation surfaces, and avoiding food prep while symptomatic. International travelers should also follow safe food and water protocols. Knowing the risks before setting off on your next trip is always a good practice.
Because shigellosis can spread through sexual contact, you should avoid having sex for at least two weeks following the end of the symptomatic period.
Understanding the risks and the recommended mitigation strategies is the best way to protect you and your family from dealing with this worrisome infection.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.