Health experts have highlighted common symptoms of this sexually transmitted gut infection after the rise in cases, the Daily Express reports. Shigella is a gut infection spread through bacteria found in faeces. The five most common symptoms are diarrhoea, which can be bloody, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, and vomiting, with some people also experiencing headaches and loss of appetite. Symptoms typically begin one to three days after exposure, though it can take up to a week to feel unwell. Most people recover within four to five days, but illness can last up to two weeks.
In some cases, particularly with certain species of Shigella, symptoms can be more severe and may require hospital treatment. Many people with mild cases recover on their own without medication. In more severe cases, patients are treated with antibiotics, which can shorten the duration of illness, reduce the risk of complications, and speed up the clearance of bacteria from the body. However, the UK Health Security Agency warned that samples of Shigella have shown rising resistance to antibiotics.
Steps such as washing hands after sex, showering, and changing condoms between anal and oral sex can reduce the risk of infection. Dr Katy Sinka, head of the STI section at the UK Health Security Agency, said the rise in sexually transmitted Shigella cases is concerning, but the risk can be reduced through good hygiene during and after sex, and by using condoms. She added that it is important that gay and bisexual men do not dismiss their symptoms, and advice on self-care and preventing dehydration can be found on the NHS website by searching for dysentery.