Shigellosis
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Shigellosis is an infection of the intestines caused by shigella bacteria.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You or your child has a seizure.
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your abdomen is hard and swollen, and you are constipated.
- You have a high fever or severe chills.
- You have severe nausea and are vomiting.
- Your mouth is dry, your lips are cracked, and you are thirsty.
- You are urinating less or not at all.
- Your heartbeat or breathing is faster than usual.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- Your diarrhea gets worse.
- You are dizzy or weak.
- You have pain in your joints.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Antibiotics may be given if you have a severe shigellosis infection. These will kill the bacteria.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Manage your symptoms:
- Do not take medicines to stop your diarrhea. This may make the infection last longer.
- Drink liquids as directed. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. This may help prevent dehydration.
Prevent the spread of shigella bacteria:
- Wash your hands often. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash before you prepare or eat food, and after you use the bathroom or change a child's diaper. Use soap and water every time. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Wash the front and back of each hand, and in between your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the fingernails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your mouth without washing your hands first.
- Prepare food safely. Do not prepare food for others until you have had no diarrhea for at least 2 days. Keep raw meat, seafood, and eggs separate. Keep these away from other kinds of foods, such as fruits and vegetables. If possible, use separate cutting boards and knives for each kind of food. You can also wash cutting boards, cutting utensils, and dishes as you go. Use hot water and dish soap to wash items. Rinse each item under running water. Do not put food on any unwashed dish that raw meat, seafood, or eggs were on.
- Cook food all the way through. Cook eggs until the yolks are firm. Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat is heated to a temperature that will kill bacteria. Do not eat raw or undercooked chicken, turkey, seafood, or beef.
- Store food properly. Refrigerate or freeze cooked foods and leftovers. Store raw and cooked foods separately.
- Drink safe water. Do not drink water from ponds or lakes, or from swimming pools that do not contain chlorine.
- Limit contact with others. Do not swim in public pools or go to work or school until you have had no diarrhea for 1 day.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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