Shigella is a group of bacteria that causes a bowel infection.
Shigella is very infectious and can be easily passed on. It is present in the faeces (shit) of an infected person and can be transmitted when tiny particles of contaminated faeces (shit) enter the mouth. This can happen in three ways:
Faeces (shit) can sometimes get onto the hands during sex and by handling things such as used condoms and sex toys. Once it is on your fingers it can easily get into the mouth. Gut infections can be passed on sexually or otherwise through food and water.
Symptoms appear between 12hours and 4 days after exposure include common signs such as:
In most cases recovery takes between four and seven days but may take longer.
Shigella can be tested by taking a swab of the arse (bum) or taking a stool sample (a piece of shit) for testing.
Shigella can generally clear on its own. You can treat the symptoms by staying hydrated and drinking lots of water, getting plenty of rest and eating healthy solid foods. In more worse cases, your doctor may give you a course of antibiotics or discuss alternative treatment plans.
Shigella can be prevented by using condoms while having sex. Although this will not give you full protection from shigella. Make sure you wash your hands after having sex or touching used condoms and sex toys.
If possible avoid rimming (licking arse) or any activity which could lead to having faeces (shit) in your mouth.
If you are HIV positive you may be more likely to have severe symptoms, which may result in a prolonged illness and hospitalisation.
We acknowledge and pay respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work.
Vaccination can prevent mpox and is available for anyone at high risk of infection. This includes men who have sex with men, sex workers, health workers and anyone who may be in contact with a person infected with mpox. Please contact your nearest ACCHO or Sexual Health clinic for advice. See factsheet for more information.
