Monsoon season. Season of many infections, but relief from summer heat. Shigella infection is a monsoon disease and needs immediate attention. It’s a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fevers.If left untreated it can cause problems, especially in young people, old people and those, with weak immune systems. Monsoon season brings relief from summer heat but it also brings with it the threat of many infections. Monsoon disease Shigellosis needs immediate attention. It is an infection of the intestine caused by bacteria which produces severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fever. If untreated, it can cause serious problems particularly in young children, older adults and people with weak immune systems.
Escherichia coli (STEC) is a bacterium that produces Shiga toxin.
Shigellosis, or infection with shigella, is an infectious disease of the intestines caused by a group of bacteria called shigella. The disease is transmitted through contaminated food and water and by direct contact with infected persons.
Shigella travels via monsoons through water and poor sanitation.
What is infection by Shigella?
Shigella bacteria are easily spread from person to person by the fecal-oral route. The problem is usually caused by:
- Contaminated water,
- undercooked or raw foods Bad hand hygiene.
- contamination of surfaces through contact with infected people.
More children, creche workers, travellers and crowded environments.
Shigella Infection – Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms generally appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to the bacteria.
Symptoms and signs include:
- Diarrhoea (may be bloody or mucoid) Cramps,
- bellyache Fire’s heat Nausea and / or vomiting.
- More downward shitting.
The patient may be so weak that he must be carried to the hospital;
Shigella disease: Why Shigella disease in the rainy season?
The water is usually not safe to drink because the sanitation is really bad and the drainage system is not good especially when it rains. This is what happens most of the time. The water gets contaminated during the season due, to the poor sanitation and the bad drainage system.These are good conditions for infectious spread. ( e.g . Shigella.)
Safe food, safe drinking water and good hygiene are for the monsoon months.
How do we diagnose shigella infection?
Diagnosis: Shigella infection
1. History of Present Illness
Assessment
The stool samples are tested for bacteria.
Early diagnosis prevents complications and allows early treatment.
Treatment of Shigella Infection
The treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the treatment.
The next few days are very busy with patients.
Good observation especially in children and old people.
Don’t medicate yourself. If symptoms continue or get worse, call your health care provider.
Prevention of shigellosis To help prevent this infection, take the following steps:
Here are some simple tips to keep in mind:
1. Wash hands with soap and running water.
2. Use filtered or boiled water only.
3. Don’t eat food that is not from a clean source.
4. Wash your fruits and vegetables well before eating them.
5. Don’t let sick people be around children until they are better.
When to see a doctor
If you or a family member: Go to emergency care right away
Fever (ongoing) with blood in the stool
Symptoms of Dehydration
Severe stomach pain
Symptoms. Many days.
Treating a problem early can prevent serious trouble.
Best Hospitals in Calicut Malabar Hospitals We offer complete medical treatment with the support of specialist experts and modern diagnostic equipment. Calicut hospital is one of the best hospitals for infectious diseases like shigellosis infection. You can expect quick investigation and treatment at this hospital.
FAQs
1. Do I have shigellosis?
Yes. The bacteria are spread easily through contaminated food and water and contact with an infected person.
2. How long does shigella last?
Most people improve in 5-7 days. But in serious cases medical attention and supervision might be needed.
3. How is shigella treated?’Yes. Good hygiene, safe food and drinking water and hand washing can lower the risk of infection.
4. Is monsoon shigellosis contagious?
Yes. Shigella is one of the most common monsoon diseases as the chances of food and water getting contaminated are very high during monsoon season.
Abstract Shigellosis is a dangerous yet preventable disease. It should be noted especially monsoon period. The sooner you are diagnosed and treated, the sooner you will recover and the less likely you are to have complications.
If you have shigellosis or suspect you might have it, call your doctor. Choosing a good hospital in Calicut can be pretty important. It can be very important to get the right diagnosis and effective treatment.
Medical emergency?
The Malabar Hospitals is a team of dedicated health care professionals who are committed to provide compassionate and evidence based care. We are the top hospital in Calicut for speedy diagnosis, sophisticated treatment and holistic treatment for infectious diseases and other health issues.
So what are you waiting for book your consultation now and make your family’s health a priority this monsoon season.
