Living with Shigellosis
An infection from Shigella bacteria that causes diarrhea, belly pain and fever, and is most common in young children.
Understanding Shigellosis
Anyone can get it, but young children are most at risk. People get it through contact with an infected person, or through contaminated food, water or surfaces. Symptoms usually begin one to two days after exposure. In healthy people they usually clear in 5 to 7 days, though bowel habits can take months to return to normal. Complications are rare.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody
- Belly pain and cramps
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Tiredness and weakness
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says it is caused by Shigella bacteria. The germs can be in the stool of an infected person for up to two weeks after symptoms end.
Also known as: bacillary dysentery; flexner's dysentery; infection by shigella; infection caused by shigella; japanese dysentery; shigella dysentery
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Shigellosis.
Explore research for Shigellosis
Explore actively recruiting Shigellosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Shigellosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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