Drug-Resistant Stomach Bug On The Rise: What To Know In NJ

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.

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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.

What To Know In NJ

Each year, Shigella causes an estimated 450,000 infections across the U.S., with about 600 cases reported annually to the NJ Department of Health (NJ DOH).

According to NJ DOH, Shigella infection can cause diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and tenesmus (feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowels are empty).

In order to protect yourself from Shigellosis (which is caused by infection with Shigella bacteria), the NJ Department of Health recommends the following precautions:

• Wash hands completely with soap and water before preparing food, eating and feeding children/patients.
• Carefully wash your hands after changing diapers and using the toilet.
• Disinfect the diaper changing area after each use.
• Anyone who has diarrhea should not swim in a pool, ocean, or pond.
• When traveling to developing countries, drink only treated or boiled water and eat only cooked foods and fruits you peel yourself.

To learn more, you can visit the NJ Department of Health website.