A GP has warned of telltale signs of a little-known sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is on the rise in the UK. Diagnoses of shigella have rocketed by 24 percent in just four years, according to an expert.
Doctor Bhavini Shah told Express.co.uk this increase is “very worrying” and urged people to be on the lookout for any symptoms.
The GP, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, explained: “Over the past four years, we’ve seen a 24 percent increase in diagnoses of Shigella.
“While the exact numbers are much lower than those of more common STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, this increase in year-on-year cases is very worrying.
“What is also concerning is the rapid rise in antibiotic resistant strains of shigella.
“There has been a 53 percent increase in antibiotic resistant shigella from January to November 2023, with 97 cases being reported, compared to just nine cases for the whole of 2022.”
But what is shigella? According to Dr Shah, it is a “highly infectious” bacteria.
This bacteria is found in faeces and only a tiny amount is needed for it to be passed on, often via contaminated food or unprotected sex.
Actually, most of us will have heard of shigella but as its historical name – dysentery.
“Many people may know shigella, or Shigella sonnei, by its more common historical name: dysentery,” Dr Shah said. “The disease is often associated with developing countries or ancient times when sanitation was poor.
“In the past, dysentery was most commonly caught by people drinking untreated water that had been contaminated with sewage.
“While this is no longer the case in the UK, it is still a common source of the disease in countries with poor access to sanitary drinking water. Shigella can also be common among young children.”
Dr Shah explained more. She said: “Shigella is caused by bacteria found in faeces. Only a tiny amount needs to get into your mouth to pass it on – for example, from your fingers.
“It’s often caused by contaminated food but it can also be passed on sexually. Sex that may involve contact with faeces is a risk.
“Someone with shigella can be infectious for up to a month.”
She revealed four red flag signs of infection to spot. “Shigella is a highly infectious bacteria which commonly causes diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as abdominal pain and fever,” Dr Shah said.
If you experience symptoms you should contact your GP or local clinic.
She added: “You should explain to them that you may have picked up a gut infection from sex, possibly Shigella. The doctor needs to know this so you get the right tests and treatment.
“For most people, the illness gets better on its own after three to seven days. But some people can have a severe illness. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, a GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics.”
As well as visiting your doctor, you should also:
- Abstain from sex until seven days after symptoms end
- Avoid sharing bedding, towels, or clothing
- Avoid preparing food for others or sharing cooking utensils
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
“Shigella is also highly contagious so you should try to work from home or take sick leave until at least 48 hours after symptoms cease,” she said.
“This is especially important if your job involves handling food and drink or you work in healthcare as you will need to be given the all clear by a public health official.”
To avoid shigella in the first place you should practise good sexual hygiene, which includes washing your hands after sex and sanitising sex toys.
You should also wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before you eat and after you use the toilet.