Shigellosis is an acute bacterial infection of the lining of the intestines.  People infected with the bacteria release it into their stool. The bacteria can then spread from an infected person to contaminate water or food.  Symptoms include: Acute (sudden) abdominal pain or cramping, Acute (suden) fever, blood, mucus, or pus in stool, crampy rectal pain (tenesmus), nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea.                                                     Shigella can be acquired through direct contact with the bacteria in the stool, such as in a child care setting when staff members don't wash their hands adequately after changing diapers. Shigella bacteria also can be passed in contaminated food or by drinking or swimming in contaminated water.                                      Children between ages 2 and 4 are most likely to get shigellosis. Shigella infection is far more common in developing nations, especially where there's overcrowding and poor sanitation.                                                                                   If you're in good health, a mild case of shigellosis is likely to clear up on its own. When shigella infection requires treatment, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics.   [ Back ]