Shigella

• Shigella are bacteria (germs) that causes illness with diarrhea, fever and/or stomach cramps.
• There are four kinds (species) of Salmonella bacteria, causing approximately 500,000 illnesses each year in the United States.
• Shigella are very contagious and can easily be spread among households with young children, childcare settings, and during sexual contact if there is exposure to stool.
• People most likely to get Shigella are young children, travelers, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Shigellosis is reportable in Orange County within one (1) working day of identification. To report a case, health care providers/facilities should call OCHCA Epidemiology at 714-834-8180 or fax records to 714-560-4050. An average of 78 (range 69-96) cases of shigellosis were reported each year in Orange County between 2013 and 2017.

 

Resources

• Orange County Shigella Surveillance Summary, 2011-2020
• Shigella FAQ
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

 

Healthcare Professionals

• Management and Treatment Drug-Resistant Shigellosis

Last Updated: 3/30/2023