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:

• diarrhoea (which may have mucus or blood in it)
• feeling the need to pass stool even when bowels are empty
• fever
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach cramps

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.

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:

• eating unclean food or water
• touching contaminated objects
• having oral or anal sex with an infected person

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:

• young children, as they often put their hands in their mouths
• travellers to regions where contaminated food and water are more common, particularly in developing countries
• people with weakened immune systems, who are more vulnerable to infections

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:

• high fever
• fast heartbeat
• fast breathing
• low blood pressure
• severe belly pain
• confusion

This could mean you have severe dehydration or another complication.

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.

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:

• blockage or swelling of the bowel
• blood infections (bacteraemia)
• vaginal infections
• seizures
• kidney failure

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:

• Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — especially after going to the toilet or changing nappies and before you prepare or eat food.
• Don't prepare food for others if you have shigella infection.
• Practice safe sex and avoid sexual activity that involves contact with the anus while infected.
• When visiting developing countries, only drink water that has been boiled or treated to make it safe.
• Avoid eating raw or poorly handled food from street vendors to lower the risk of getting sick.

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:

• gastroenteritis
• diarrhoea in young children

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.