Also called bacillary , shigellosis dysentery is infection of the intestine with Shigella bacteria. The disease is spread by eating food or drinking water contaminated by infected human feces or by contact with an infected person or a contaminated surface. Symptoms usually start 1 to 2 days after infection.
They may include diarrhea, which may be bloody; fever; and abdominal pain. Persistent diarrhea may cause dehydration.
Shigellosis usually clears up by itself in about a week. Plenty of fluids should be drunk to avoid dehydration, and acetaminophen can relieve pain and fever.
In severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary. The risk of infection can be reduced by good personal hygiene and avoiding food or water that might be contaminated.