outbreaks
What to Do If You Get Shigella: A Step-by-Step Guide
Shigella causes sudden diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever—symptoms that typically appear 1–3 days after exposure. If you suspect you have shigellosis, knowing the right steps to take can speed recovery and help prevent spread to others. This guide walks you through recognizing symptoms, getting medical care, and reporting to your health department.
Recognize Shigella Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Shigella symptoms usually include watery diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramps, fever between 101–104°F, and sometimes nausea or vomiting. Most cases resolve on their own within 5–7 days, but you should contact a doctor immediately if you experience severe dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, extreme thirst), blood in stool with signs of severe infection, high fever lasting more than 3 days, or symptoms in young children, elderly adults, or immunocompromised individuals. The CDC recommends calling ahead before visiting urgent care or an emergency room so staff can prepare for a potentially contagious infection.
Treatment Options and Home Care
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (such as azithromycin or ciprofloxacin) if testing confirms Shigella, though resistance is increasing—the FDA and CDC monitor antibiotic-resistant strains. Most importantly, stay hydrated by drinking oral rehydration solutions (like those containing electrolytes), water, and broths; avoid high-sugar drinks and dairy products that may worsen diarrhea. Do not use anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide, as these can trap the infection and cause complications. Keep practicing hand hygiene—wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after bathroom use and before eating—to avoid spreading Shigella to household members.
Report to Your Health Department and Check for Outbreaks
Once diagnosed, report your Shigella case to your local health department; healthcare providers are often required to report it, but you can also call directly. Your health department will ask about recent food or water exposure to identify potential outbreak sources. Check your state or local health department website, the CDC's foodborne illness outbreak tracking page, and Panko Alerts (which monitors 25+ government sources including FDA and CDC) to see if your symptoms match an active outbreak linked to a food product or restaurant chain you visited. If you identify a match, provide that information when reporting—it helps public health officials trace the source and protect others.
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