Shigellosis

(Shigella)

Shigellosis is an infection caused by Shigella bacteria. Infection may occur after ingesting fecally-contaminated food, beverages or recreational water, from sexual contact with an infected person and from contact with contaminated surfaces. Only a small number of bacteria are needed to make people ill. Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach pain and fever. Young children, travellers to developing countries and men who have sex with men are at higher risk for shigellosis.