U.S. cases of drug-resistant Shigella infections are increasing, with no Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved oral treatment available, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
In a study published April 9 in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, health officials described the rise of Shigella cases as “a public health threat,” which can cause diarrhea, fever and more.
According to the latest data, of the 17,000 samples tested, the amount found to have drug-resistant Shigella bacteria increased from 0% in 2011 to 8.5% in 2023.
“Whereas earlier U.S. outbreaks involved drug-susceptible strains and primarily affected children, national surveillance data indicate that most XDR [drug-resistant] cases occurred among adult men,” the study said. “Approximately one-third of patients were hospitalized.”
Shigella infection can be spread through fecal-oral transmission, sexual contact, or through contaminated food, water, or fomites, according to the CDC.
While most infections resolve themselves without needing treatment, researchers said antibiotics are used for severe illness or to reduce transmission in high-risk settings.
Each year, Shigella causes an estimated 450,000 infections across the United States. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services does not track exact annual numbers within the state.
Health officials said people with shigellosis may experience mild or severe diarrhea (loose stools), often with fever and traces of blood or mucus in the stool. Some infected people will also experience nausea and vomiting, while others may not show any symptoms at all.
Symptoms may appear anywhere from 1 to 7 days after exposure, but usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure.
While health officials in Michigan do not track Shigella, they do follow shigellosis, which is caused by infection with Shigella bacteria.
So far in 2026, state data shows there have been 51 confirmed shigellosis cases across Michigan. There were 239 total cases in 2025, according to the Michigan Disease Surveillance System.
Anyone can get shigellosis, but it is most common in young children. Those at greater risk for infection include children in childcare centers, individuals living in crowded environments and those with limited access to clean water and toilets, including the homeless.
The best way to prevent shigellosis is to practice good hand hygiene.
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