According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, shigella is one of the most major causes of diarrhea in India. But despite the infection being a common occurrence in the country, there isn’t enough awareness about it. So here we are with all the deets on the endemic so that you can take preventive measures and steer clear of shigellosis.
What Is Shigella?
Shigella refers to a group of bacteria that mainly affect the digestive system and cause shigellosis. Broadly speaking, the shigella bacteria releases toxins that irritate the intestines and lead to diarrhea. However, it has four different species that can cause impacts of different intensities. They are:
- Shigella sonnei
- Shigella flexneri
- Shigella boydii
- Shigella dysenteriae
While shigella sonnei is the most common type, shigella dysenteriae and shigella boydii are relatively rare. In fact, shigella dysenteriae type 1 can be fatal. Hence, it’s important to take adequate preventive measures to keep this infection at bay.
Causes Of Shigella
The shigella infection is highly contagious and is more common among kids, who are likely to put dirty hands in their mouth. It spreads when bacteria from the stool of an infected person enter your mouth. Wondering how that happens? Well, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here’s how shigella can infect you:
-Touching infected surfaces like wash basin taps, flush handles, door knobs, and other bathroom fixtures.
-Changing diapers of an infected child.
-Cleaning up a dirty toilet with infected surfaces.
-Taking care of an infected person.
-Eating food made by an infected person.
-Drinking water contaminated with sewage or flood water.
-Accidentally swallowing water from a poorly-maintained swimming pool.
Symptoms Of Shigella
The shigella bacteria has the tendency to multiply rapidly and release toxins that irritate the intestinal tract. Symptoms of shigellosis usually begin one-two days after getting infected. You may even notice them as early as 12 hours post coming in contact with the shigella bacteria.
Diarrhea, characterised by frequent bouts of watery stool, is the main symptom of shigellosis. It can last for five-seven days and cause dehydration, fatigue, and even fainting. It may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting, presence of blood or mucus in the stool, and fever. It is important to stay hydrated and consult with a doc to seek timely treatment for shigellosis.
Is Shigella Dangerous?
Shigellosis isn’t fatal in most cases. It goes away in five-seven days and sometimes, may not even need medical intervention. However, the shigella dysenteriae type-1 strain of this bacteria can cause extreme dehydration and death–especially in children younger than one year of age. Additionally, shigella flexneri can lead to a chronic condition called post-infection arthritis that can cause joint pain, painful urination, and eye irritation. This usually happens due to a reaction to the shigella bacteria in people, who’re genetically predisposed to it. Some of the other rare-but- possible shigella complications include bloodstream infections, seizures in young children, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (a condition in which small blood vessels in your kidneys become damaged and inflamed).
How Can You Prevent Shigellosis
Even though the chances of shigella causing a fatal impact are rare, you must not take it lightly. So rather than suffering from bouts of dreadful diarrhea later, take these four effective preventive measures to keep the infection at bay:
Wash Your Hands
Entry through the mouth is the number one cause of shigella infection. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands especially after using a public washroom or changing diapers. Make sure to use soap and clean water to do so. If you have a baby/child in the house, you must make them follow suit too as they’re more at risk of this infection.
Be Careful While Eating Out
Avoid eating food from poorly-maintained food stalls and restaurants while on the go. If the restaurant hygiene seems dubious, opt for packaged foods instead. Yes, they’re not great for your health. But in this case, they can save you from getting a shigella infection!
Drink Clean Water
It’s advisable to install a water filter at home to avoid drinking contaminated water. You can even boil water before drinking it to reduce the risk of infections. While on the go, you can carry your own water bottle or buy packaged water from the market instead of drinking water from wells or taps. Additionally, avoid swallowing swimming pool water while enjoying a dip and make sure the pool is well maintained before diving in.
Avoid Having Sex If You Have Diarrhea
Diarrhea is the most common and striking symptom of shigella. If you or your partner are suffering from it, avoid having sex. This is because any contact with the infected faces during sex can spread the infection.
Sirona Recommends Best Products To Prevent Shigella
The PeeBuddy Female Urination Device
The PeeBuddy Female Urination Device is an affordable, easy-to-use tool that helps you pee while standing. You can relieve yourself without hovering over an infected toilet seat or making any contact with it. Simply place the device between your legs, point it towards the pot, and pee.
The PeeBuddy Disposable Toilet Seat Cover
This toilet seat cover can be placed on the pot seat to avoid direct contact with it. It is biodegradable and can be flushed down the toilet after use.
The PeeBuddy Before And After Toilet Sanitiser Spray
This product kills 99.9% germs on any surface. So, you can use it to sanitise pot seats, door knobs, and taps. You can even deodorise the cubicle with this spray once you’re done and leave a fragrant toilet for the next user. Cool, right?
These toilet hygiene products will surely keep you covered and safe from shigella. Bag them before they go out of stock!
Featured Image: Pexels
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