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Shigella infection (bowel infection)

6-minute read

Key facts

  • Shigella infection (or shigellosis) is a bacterial infection that affects the stomach and intestines.
  • You can get infected through contaminated food or water, or from contact with an infected person.
  • Young children and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
  • Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
  • Staying hydrated and practising good hygiene can help prevent and treat shigella.

What is shigella infection?

Shigella infection is also called shigellosis. It is a common cause of gastroenteritis (infection of the stomach and intestines). It is caused by shigella bacteria (germs).

Shigellosis causes diarrhoea (loose or runny poo). You can get infected through food or water that is contaminated with the bacteria. You can also catch shigellosis from contact with an infected person.

What are the symptoms of shigella infection?

Signs of shigellosis include:

Symptoms usually start from 1 to 3 days after you get infected. They last around 5 to 7 days.

Some people may be infected with the shigella bacteria but not have any signs of sickness. In rare cases, people can have shigella bacteria in their poo for many months.

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What causes shigella infection?

Shigella infection develops when tiny amounts of poo from an infected person come into contact with someone else's mouth.

You can get shigellosis by:

Contaminated objects can include taps, nappies and toys. The germ can get into your body if you touch your mouth after touching these objects.

Who is at risk of shigella infection?

People of any age can get shigella infection. Those at higher risk include:

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have any symptoms of shigellosis.

Also see your doctor if you have signs of severe illness such as:

This could mean you have severe dehydration or another complication.

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How is shigella infection diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of shigellosis your doctor will examine your belly and do a stool (poo) test. This will show if you have shigella infection.

Sometimes, your doctor may also take a blood test. Blood tests may look for signs of dehydration or complications.

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How is shigella infection treated?

If you have shigella infection it's important to drink liquids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can be serious, especially in babies and older people.

It's best to avoid using anti-diarrhoea medicines, as these may prolong your illness.

Most people will get better on their own within a week without any medicine. However, your doctor may tell you to take antibiotics to help you get better.

What are the complications of shigella infection?

A common complication is dehydration, as you can lose a lot of fluid from diarrhoea.

Shigella infections can sometimes cause serious problems, such as:

Shigellosis can be life-threatening, but this is very rare. Most people recover quickly and completely.

Can shigella infection be prevented?

There are ways to reduce your chance of catching or spreading shigella infection. Stay home from work, school or daycare for at least 48 hours after your diarrhoea has stopped.

Tips to stop shigella infection from spreading and to prevent catching it:

People with diarrhoea should not go swimming until their diarrhoea has stopped for at least 48 hours.

There are no vaccines against shigella infection.

Resources and support

Queensland Government provides fact sheets on:

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

NSW Health provides translated information on shigellosis.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.

Looking for information for sexually and gender-diverse families?

QLife provides free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.

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