Specialists say this an infection is ‘extra widespread than folks realise’.
Shigella is unfold via contact with contaminated folks or contaminated surfaces (Picture: Getty)
Well being specialists have highlighted the seven most typical signs of a sexually transmitted an infection that impacts the intestine, after an increase in circumstances in England. Some 2,560 Shigella infections have been recorded in 2025, up from 2,052 in 2023 and a couple of,318 in 2024. It predominantly impacts homosexual, bisexual and different males who’ve intercourse with males.
Shigella is a intestine an infection unfold via micro organism present in faeces. In a weblog submit, the UK Well being Safety Company described it as “extra widespread than many individuals realise”. The 5 most typical signs are diarrhoea (which might be bloody), abdomen cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. Some folks additionally expertise complications and lack of urge for food.
The UKHSA submit added: “Signs usually start one to a few days after publicity, although it could actually take as much as every week to really feel unwell.
“Most individuals get better inside 4 to 5 days, however sickness can last as long as two weeks. In some circumstances, notably with sure species of Shigella, signs might be extra extreme and will require hospital therapy.”
Steps reminiscent of washing fingers after intercourse, showering, and altering condoms between anal and oral intercourse can scale back the danger of an infection.
Shigella micro organism will also be unfold by consuming meals ready by an contaminated particular person or via contaminated surfaces.
Many individuals with gentle circumstances of Shigella get better on their very own with out treatment.
In additional extreme circumstances, sufferers are handled with antibiotics, which may shorten the period of sickness, scale back the danger of problems and velocity up the clearance of micro organism from the physique.
The UKHSA warned that samples of Shigella have proven rising resistance to antibiotics.
Dr Katy Sinka, the company’s head of STI part, mentioned: “The rise in sexually transmitted Shigella circumstances is regarding, however the threat might be lowered via good hygiene throughout and after intercourse, and through the use of condoms — serving to to guard each your self and your companions.
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“It will be important that homosexual and bisexual males don’t dismiss their signs, and recommendation on self-care and stopping dehydration might be discovered on the NHS web site by looking for dysentery.
“These recognized with Shigella can also have been uncovered to different sexually transmitted infections, together with HIV, so a sexual well being display screen — at a clinic or by ordering exams on-line — is advisable.”
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