Shigellosis

Shigellosis (also called “bacillary dysentery”) is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by various pathogens known as Shigella. Symptoms usually occur within 1-3 days and include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps or pain, nausea, vomiting, rectal tenesmus, and sometimes fever. Antibiotics can sometimes be effective in lessening the duration and/or severity of the illness. Most cases of Shigella food poisoning resolve within a week and usually do not require hospitalization or cause any significant complications. However, Shigella infections can lead to rectal bleeding, severe dehydration and/or fevers requiring hospitalization. More severe cases of Shigellosis can lead to a condition known as Reactive Arthritis (“Reiter’s Syndrome”), high fever and seizures in children, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, sepsis and death, although these outcomes are relatively infrequent. Also, enteric infections, including those caused by Shigella, can lead to a chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder called Post Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Children tend to be the most susceptible to Shigella infections, and numerous outbreaks have involved daycare centers. Learn more about other Types of Foodborne Illnesses.

Shigella bacteria thrive in the intestines of humans. Therefore, transmission is primarily by person-to-person contact. Ultimately, the source is fecal matter from an infected individual and transmission occurs via the hand-to-mouth route, which is why thorough hand washing is a critical part of preventing this illness. Shigella bacteria can remain active for weeks so those who are sick can still transmit the infection well after they seemingly recover. Foodborne transmission can occur when food is prepared in unsanitary conditions or by persons currently or previously infected. Contamination of vegetables has also occurred where they were harvested from a field containing sewage or human stools left by workers who defecated. Waterborne transmission can also occur when wells, shallow ponds, pools or water parks become contaminated with human excrement. Heat will destroy Shigella bacteria so adequate cooking – along with hand washing and good sanitation practices – helps prevent infection. Individuals suffering Shigellosis (or any diarrhea) should not be allowed to prepare food for other people. Children not yet toilet trained or who have diarrhea should be excluded from pools, water parks or other public swimming areas.

The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Ragland Law Firm, LLC have experience handling cases where a foodborne or waterborne pathogen has caused someone to suffer food poisoning or a recreational water illness. They have the expertise needed to pursue liability claims or lawsuits against a food company, restaurant, daycare center, water / amusement park or swimming pool owner whose negligence led to the Shigella contamination of food or pool water and resulting outbreak of Shigellosis. The food safety practice of Ragland Law Firm, LLC also includes the legal representation of persons who have suffered anaphylaxis due to an allergic food reaction. Learn more about the firm’s Food Safety Case Results. The trial attorneys at Ragland Law Firm, LLC are available to represent anyone who has suffered Shigellosis or any other foodborne illness in Atlanta, Marietta, Jonesboro, Douglasville, Warner Robins, Columbus, Statesboro and other parts of Georgia. Contact us if you desire to consult with a qualified food poisoning lawyer.