more to know about shigella

Shigella bacteria is in feacal matter and is passed on when particles of contaminated faeces enters someone else’s mouth. Shigella transmission can happen during sex through:

• Rimming, fingering, fisting or fucking
• Handling used sex toys
• Handling used condoms
• Getting poo on your fingers or contaminated objects and then touching your mouth

A person can have Shigella for some weeks and have no symptoms. They can still pass it on to others, although antibiotics reduce the time Shigella remains in the body of an infected person.

To prevent getting Shigella, be aware that tiny particles of faeces can easily enter your mouth, especially when biting your nails, lighting a cigarette, preparing food, and sharing utensils such as cups, bottles and household equipment. It’s recommended you:

• Wear gloves for arse play
• Use a dam for rimming
• Wash your hands after having sex with soap and water
• Wash your hands after handling used condoms or sex toys
• Wash sex toys with soap and water

Symptoms of Shigella occur between 1-3 days after being in contact with the bacteria, and include:

• Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood and or mucous)
• Vomiting/Nausea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever

You can get tested for Shigella by taking a stool sample. Your doctor will then confirm whether or not  you have infectious shigellosis bacteria.

If you have Shigella, it will usually disappear without the need for antibiotic treatment. Drink plenty of fluids (use re-hydration solutions if needed) and rest.

If you have a severe case of Shigella, your doctor will usually prescribe oral antibiotics, as these reduce the duration of the symptoms.

In some cases, Shigella may be resistant to oral antibiotics. In July 2019 there was an increase in the number of cases of multidrug-resistant Shigella reported in NSW, similar to an occurrence in August 2018. This means that no recommended oral antibiotics were available as treatment. In these cases, commencing intravenous (IV) antibiotics (through the vein) is usually recommended and provided in hospital.

If you experience symptoms, see your doctor and:

• Abstain from sex until 7 days after your symptoms cease
• Avoid food preparation or sharing utensils until symptoms cease
• Avoid sharing linen, towels or clothing until symptoms cease
• Avoid swimming in a pool until 24 hours after diarrhoea has ceased
• Avoid providing personal care for others such as patients, children or the elderly
• Wash hands often and thoroughly
• You should not go to work while you have diarrhoea. Some people are in ‘high-risk’ jobs for passing it on. These are people who handle food (for example chefs or butchers) and people who work with children or the elderly

It’s also important to tell your recent sexual partner(s), if they show symptoms they should also be tested.