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

U.S. cases of drug-resistant Shigella infections are increasing around the country with no FDA-approved oral treatment available, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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.

Two researchers with the Pennsylvania Department of Health were part of the working group that compiled the CDC study, though exact state-specific numbers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are not yet known.

“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 PA

Each year, Shigella causes an estimated 450,000 infections across the U.S. The Pennsylvania Department of Health does not track exact annual numbers within the state, though there have been increases noted in recent years, particularly after an outbreak in southeastern Pennsylvania in late 2023.

According to state health officials, Shigella infection can cause sometimes bloody diarrhea fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and tenesmus.

The Philly area outbreak in 2023 disproportionately impacted individuals suffering from opioid addiction, according to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

The Philadelphia Department of Health also issued several alerts and public warnings due to that outbreak.

The state requires all Shigella cases to be reported Bureau of Laboratories for further testing.

In order to protect yourself from Shigellosis, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends the following precautions:

• Wash hands with soap or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods of beverages
• Dispose of soiled diapers properly
• Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them
• Keep children with diarrhea out of child care settings
• Supervise hand washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet
• Persons with diarrheal illness should not prepare food for others
• If you are traveling to most places in the Global South, “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.”
  

With reporting from Patch correspondent Sara Winick