Shigellosis cases rise globally

A surge in cases of shigellosis, a bacterial infection that causes severe, sometimes bloody diarrhea, has been reported across the United States and other regions. The disease is spreading rapidly through sexual contact, particularly within communities of gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men, according to a report by Science Alert.

Shigellosis impact and statistics

In the United States, approximately 450,000 people contract shigellosis annually, caused by the Shigella bacterium. Globally, the disease leads to 200,000 deaths each year, with 65,000 of those being children under five, as reported by the Pasteur Institute.

Symptoms and vulnerability

Also known as bacillary dysentery, shigellosis is marked by severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. While historically more common in preschool-aged children, adults are increasingly affected. Serious complications are observed, especially in children under five, according to the Pasteur Institute and the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm).

Rising cases in England and antibiotic resistance

The rise in cases is not limited to the United States. A study published in July 2026 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlighted the growing sexual transmission of shigellosis in England. In 2025, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported 2,560 cases. The study emphasized the urgency of treating the disease as a specific health threat, noting that the bacterium is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

Prevention guidelines

To prevent infection, the California Department of Public Health recommends avoiding sexual contact with individuals who have had diarrhea in the past two weeks. Other measures include washing hands, genital, and anal areas before and after sex, and using barriers such as condoms during sexual activity.