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In this Article

• What is shigellosis? What causes shigellosis?
• What sort of germ is Shigella?
• How can Shigella infections be diagnosed?
• How can Shigella infections be treated?
• Are there long term consequences of a Shigella infection?
• How do people catch Shigella?
• What can a person do to prevent this illness?
• How common is shigellosis?
• What else can be done to prevent shigellosis?
• What is the government doing about shigellosis?
• How can I learn more about this and other public health problems?
• Some tips for preventing the spread of shigellosis
• Shigella Infection Index

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors the frequency of Shigella infections in the country, and assists local and State health departments in investigating outbreaks, determining means of transmission, and devising control measures. CDC also conducts research to better understand how to identify and treat shigellosis. The Food and Drug Administration inspects imported foods, and promotes better food preparation techniques in restaurants and food processing plants. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates and monitors the safety of our drinking water supplies. The government has also maintained active research into the development of a Shigella vaccine.

You can discuss any medical concerns you may have with your heath care provider. Your local city or county health department can provide more information about this and other public health problems. General information about the public health of the nation is published every week in the "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report" by CDC. Epidemiologists in your local and State Health Departments track many important public health problems, investigate special problems that arise, and help prevent them form occurring.

• wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods or beverages



• dispose of soiled diapers properly



• disinfect diaper changing areas after using them



• keep children with diarrhea out of child care settings



• supervise handwashing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet



• do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea



• avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools

REFERENCE:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases