Shigella Q & A!

Q: What is the pathogen (bacteria)?
A: Shigella



Q: What are the foods/sources associated with it and possible contaminants?

A: "Shigella is spread in foods like salads, raw vegetables, milk and other dairy products,

and poultry; but it can also be spread from person to person." "Shigella is passed from

the infected stool [poop] of a previously infected person. It's spread through

person-to-person contact (80 percent of infections) or in contaminated food or water

(20 percent of the time)."

"Like E. coli, an infection can occur with only a small number of bacteria entering the body."
http://www.infoplease.com/cig/dangerous-diseases-epidemics/shigella.html



Q: What is the incubation period for shigella?
A: 12-50 hours (up to 2 days)



Q: What is the illness caused by this bacteria?

A: Shigellosis



Q: What are the symptoms related to the illness?

A: Diarrhea, fever (up to 106 deg. F.), stomach cramps, vomiting



Q: What is the duration of the symptoms?

A: Shigellosis usually resolves in five to seven days.




Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Shigellosis Prevention: Easy Steps to Protect Your Health

There are easy steps you can take in your everyday life to prevent shigellosis, infection caused by the harmful bacteria shigella.

  • Frequently washing your hands with soap and water
  • Keeping infected people away from food
  • Avoiding cross-contamination
  • Thoroughly cooking all meat and poultry
  • Reheat ready-to-eat meat foods until steaming
  • Thoroughly wash fruits and veggies
  • Properly refrigerate food


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