What Is Shigellosis?
3. What Is the Primary Cause?
Shigella bacteria cause shigellosis infections and are responsible for nearly 450,000 annual cases of the condition in the United States. The bacteria live in the stool of sick people as well as recovered patients with no symptoms who may still carry the bacteria for one to two weeks after symptoms stop. The infection occurs when someone ingests the germs, so sanitation and hygiene are crucial prevention methods.
The best way to avoid a Shigella infection is to wash your hands frequently and to handle your own food, especially in susceptible environments. Your hands come into contact with germ-infested surfaces many times per day, and most people can’t help but touch their face, which means you are actively putting germs around or in your mouth. Diligent hand washing and avoiding touching your face can lower your chances of becoming infected.
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