Causes of Shigellosis
Shigellosis, a bacterial infection, can be contracted through various means. One common cause is poor hand hygiene after changing an infected baby’s diaper, followed by touching food or the mouth. The bacteria can easily spread through direct person-to-person contact, making it the most prevalent mode of transmission. Additionally, consuming food prepared by an infected individual can also lead to the spread of the infection. It is worth noting that shigella can be present in fruits and vegetables if they were grown using fertilizers that contain human feces. Lastly, spending time in or inadvertently swallowing contaminated water can also result in the contraction of shigellosis.
Risk Factors for Shigellosis
Shigellosis can affect anyone, but there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of contracting the disease. One of the high-risk groups is children under the age of five. This age group is more susceptible to shigellosis due to their developing immune systems.
Living in close quarters with others also elevates the risk of shigellosis transmission. Places such as jails, community wading pools, military barracks, child care centers, and nursing homes are more prone to shigella outbreaks because of the proximity and shared facilities.
Furthermore, individuals who travel to developing countries are at an increased risk of contracting shigellosis. This is because these countries may have inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices, which contribute to the spread of the disease.
It is also worth noting that men who have sex with other men have an elevated risk of getting shigella. This is due to the direct or indirect oral-anal contact that can occur during sexual activity.