Shigella infection

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of shigella infection usually begin a day or two after exposure to shigella. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Diarrhea (often containing blood or mucus)
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever

Although some people have no symptoms after they've been infected with shigella, their feces are still contagious.

When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor or seek urgent care if you or your child has bloody diarrhea or diarrhea severe enough to cause weight loss and dehydration. Also, contact your doctor if you or your child has diarrhea accompanied by a fever of 101 F (38 C) or higher.

References
  1. Goldberg MB. Shigellosis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/1492/1159.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50335-9--cesec5_14340. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
  2. Shigellosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdcc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/shigellosis_gi.html. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
  3. Ashkenazi S, et al. Shigella species. In: Long SS, et al. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/1679/151.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50150-8_2975. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
  4. Fort GG, et al. Shigellosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/2088/602.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00028-9--s2235_12359. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
  5. Gianella RA. Invasive pathogens. In: Feldman M., et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/184126838-3/954613481/1389/778.html#. Accessed Jan. 28, 2010.
  6. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 3, 2010.
DS00719 April 14, 2010

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