Extremely drug-resistant Shigella infections on the rise in England

Maximum number of cases are reported from London (45), the North West (21) and South East (12)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised alarm over rising cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have physical relationship with men (GBMSM).

There has been a 53 per cent increase in cases since the beginning of 2023, mostly driven by a cluster of antibiotic resistant strain called Shigella sonnei, with 97 cases reported this year until November, compared to just four cases last year.

According to UKHSA, Shigella sonnei infections are difficult to treat as the strain does not respond to the antibiotics typically used to treat the bacteria.  While it has been found across England, cases are concentrated in London (45), the North West (21) and South East (12).

Shigella is an infectious gut infection that can cause symptoms like diarrhoea (sometimes mixed with blood), stomach cramps and fever, which are commonly mistaken for food poisoning.

Caused by bacteria found in faeces, it can be passed on through the faecal-oral route during sexual intercourse, either directly or via unwashed hands. Symptoms typically appear between 1 and 4 days after exposure to the bacteria.

How to prevent Shigella infections? One of the best ways to protect yourself and your partners is to practice good hygiene after sexual intercourse, said Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA.

Symptoms subside within a week in most cases, but some individuals may need hospitalisation and require intravenous antibiotic treatment.

What to do if you have been diagnosed with Shigella? Get lots of rest and keep hydrated, and avowing having sexual intercourse until seven days after your last symptom, the UKHSA has advised.

Patients should also avoid spas, swimming, jacuzzis, hot tubs and sharing towels as well as preparing food for other people until a week after symptoms stop, it said.