Shigellosis Outbreaks

Shigellosis Outbreaks 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) says Shigellosis, a gastrointestinal infection caused by one of four species of Shigella bacteria, continues to pose a significant public health problem and remains endemic in many developing countries. Among Shigella species, Shigella dysenteriae type 1 (Sd1) represents a particular threat because of the severity of the disease it causes. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed in 2024 that the Shigella bacteria can spread quickly. People with Shigella infection can shed the bacteria in their stool for weeks after symptoms have dissipated. A CDC health advisory posted in 2023 said extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections were 5% of Shigella infections (Shigellosis) reported in 2022 compared with 0% in 2015. These articles provide additional information about Shigellosis outbreaks.

Extensively Drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella Outbreaks

The CDC has been monitoring an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections (Shigellosis). About 5% of Shigella infections reported to the CDC were caused by XDR strains, compared with 0% in 2015. Between January 1, 2015, and January 22, 2023, CDC received reports of 239 XDR Shigella isolates,

Shigellosis Outbreaks United States 2024

The CDC estimates about 450,000 cases of Shigellosis occur in the U.S. every year, making it the third most common bacterial enteric disease. As of week #43, ending October 26, 2024, the CDC confirmed 17,709 Shigella cases, led by California (L.A.) and New York (NYC). In 2023, the CDC reported 16,602 cases in the U.S.

Shigellosis Outbreaks Africa

A review published in October 2024 highlights the burden of Shigellosis in Africa. S. flexneri remains the most prevalent species associated with shigellosis cases, with S. sonnei being the second most dominant. The overall pooled estimate of Shigella prevalence was 5.9% (95% CI: 4.9 – 7.0%). The antimicrobial resistance patterns observed in the study suggest local antimicrobial patterns when choosing antibiotics to treat Shigellosis.

Shigellosis Outbreaks Region of the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an Epidemiological Alert in 2022 regarding the spread of Shigella sonnei with extreme antibiotic resistance and the potential risk to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Shigellosis Outbreaks Europe

In 2024, the ECDC reported 30 EU/EEA countries reported 4,149 confirmed cases of Shigellosis in 2022. Three countries accounted for 50.6% of all cases: France, the Netherlands and Spain. Of those cases with information on travel history, 48% were associated with travelers. For 2021, 30 EU/EEA countries reported 2,115 confirmed cases of Shigellosis.