A GP has warned of telltale indicators of a little-known sexually transmitted infection (STI) that's on the rise within the UK. Diagnoses of shigella have rocketed by 24 p.c in simply 4 years, in response to an skilled.
Doctor Bhavini Shah instructed Express.co.uk this improve is “very worrying” and urged folks to be looking out for any signs.
The GP, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, defined: “Over the past four years, we’ve seen a 24 percent increase in diagnoses of Shigella.
“While the exact numbers are much lower than those of more common STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, this increase in year-on-year cases is very worrying.
“What is also concerning is the rapid rise in antibiotic resistant strains of shigella.
“There has been a 53 percent increase in antibiotic resistant shigella from January to November 2023, with 97 cases being reported, compared to just nine cases for the whole of 2022.”
But what's shigella? According to Dr Shah, it's a “highly infectious” micro organism.
This micro organism is present in faeces and solely a tiny quantity is required for it to be handed on, usually by way of contaminated meals or unprotected intercourse.
Actually, most of us may have heard of shigella however as its historic identify - dysentery.
“Many people may know shigella, or Shigella sonnei, by its more common historical name: dysentery,” Dr Shah mentioned. “The disease is often associated with developing countries or ancient times when sanitation was poor.
“In the past, dysentery was most commonly caught by people drinking untreated water that had been contaminated with sewage.
“While this is no longer the case in the UK, it is still a common source of the disease in countries with poor access to sanitary drinking water. Shigella can also be common among young children.”
Dr Shah defined extra. She mentioned: “Shigella is caused by bacteria found in faeces. Only a tiny amount needs to get into your mouth to pass it on - for example, from your fingers.
“It’s often caused by contaminated food but it can also be passed on sexually. Sex that may involve contact with faeces is a risk.
“Someone with shigella can be infectious for up to a month.”
She revealed 4 crimson flag indicators of an infection to identify. “Shigella is a highly infectious bacteria which commonly causes diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as abdominal pain and fever,” Dr Shah mentioned.
If you expertise signs you must contact your GP or native clinic.
She added: “You should explain to them that you may have picked up a gut infection from sex, possibly Shigella. The doctor needs to know this so you get the right tests and treatment.
“For most people, the illness gets better on its own after three to seven days. But some people can have a severe illness. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, a GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics.”
As effectively as visiting your physician, you also needs to:
“Shigella is also highly contagious so you should try to work from home or take sick leave until at least 48 hours after symptoms cease,” she mentioned.
“This is especially important if your job involves handling food and drink or you work in healthcare as you will need to be given the all clear by a public health official.”
To keep away from shigella within the first place you must practise good sexual hygiene, which incorporates washing your palms after intercourse and sanitising intercourse toys.
You also needs to wash your palms completely with heat water and cleaning soap earlier than you eat and after you utilize the bathroom.
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