KAUST Medical Services (KMC) have confirmed a few cases of shigella infection in the community.
The cases were diagnosed and treated at KMC and the patients were advised to stay home until they have fully recovered.
Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an intestinal disease caused by a family of bacteria known as shigella. The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, which often is bloody. Shigella can be passed through direct contact with the bacteria in the stool, such as in a child care setting when staff members don’t wash their hands adequately when changing diapers or assisting toddlers with toilet training. Shigella bacteria also can be passed in contaminated food or by drinking or swimming in contaminated water.
Children between the ages of 2 and 4 are most likely to get shigella infection. A mild case usually clears up on its own within a week. When shigella infection requires treatment, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics.
Since the bacteria is passed in feces, the single most important prevention activity is careful hand washing after using the toilet, after changing diapers, or before preparing food or beverages. Other tips for preventing the infection include:
- Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them.
- Keep children with diarrhea out of child care settings.
- Supervise hand washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet.
- Do not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea.
- Do not use the swimming pool while you have any symptoms.
Click here for detailed information about the causes and symptoms of shigella infection.
