Shigella is a bacteria that causes an infection in the intestines known as shigellosis.
Shigella is highly contagious and spread through faecal matter during intercourse. Even minimal contact can lead to infection. It can also be spread through contaminated sources, such as food, water, or objects.
Shigella is considered as an STI due to how easily it can spread through sexual activity.
Symptoms
Cases of shigella are increasingly being reported in Australia among gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men.
Symptoms of shigella typically develop 1-3 days after exposure and may include:
- nausea and vomiting
- severe diarrhoea (possibly including blood and mucus)
- stomach cramping or pain
- fever and/or dizziness
Some people may experience no symptoms at all.
Symptoms may take up to a week to develop from exposure.
Testing
If you are worried you have or have been in contact with shigella, it is important to do the following:
- Monitor for Symptoms: Symptoms typically appear in 1-3 days from exposure.
- Get Tested: Visit your GP and tell them you may have been in contact with shigella. Your doctor will arrange testing including taking a stool sample.
Testing for STIs is recommended every 3-6 months if you have multiple partners or every 12 months if you have one partner.
Testing for shigella includes a stool sample to determine if the bacteria is present.
A blood sample may be taken as part of a full STI checkup.
Treatment
Shigella will typically resolve itself on its own, but a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to lessen the symptoms and duration of the infection.
A few things to remember if you do contract shigella include:
- Stay Hydrated: As symptoms of shigella include diarrhoea and vomiting, staying hydrated is important for recovery.
- Prevent Further Spread: If diagnosed with shigella, avoid sexual activity, food preparation, and close contact with others until at least seven (7) days after symptoms have subsided.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and clean any surfaces that may have been exposed to the bacteria.
Shigella will typically last from 5-7 days, but can take up to 4 or more weeks for symptoms to fully resolve.
Shigella does not require re-testing after treatment unless advised by your doctor.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help stop the spread of shigella:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially before and after eating or sexual activity
- Use dental dams during oral sex or rimming
- Use gloves during hand jobs, fingering or fisting
- Clean sex toys with soap and water before and after use
- Wait a week before engaging in sexual activity with someone who has recently had diarrhoea
Facts and Information
- Shigella symptoms can take up to 1 week to develop from exposure.
- People who have contracted shigella should not swim until two (2) weeks after their diarrhoea has stopped.
- Shigella cases are required to be reported to your local Public Health Unit by your doctor.