Stomach bug spreading across US is immune to drugs
HEALTHThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a “serious public health” alert, warning of a nationwide spike in “extensively drug-resistant” shigellosis.
The highly contagious shigella bacterial infection attacks the intestines and causes inflammatory, sometimes bloody diarrhea, according to the CDC’s “emergency and preparedness response.”
There are about 450,000 shigellosis infections every year in the US, resulting in an estimated $93 million in direct medical costs, according to CDC data.
An infection is considered XDR when it doesn’t respond to antibiotics that are typically used to treat it, such as azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, among others.
XDR Report
“XDR shigellosis is resistant to all generally recommended antibiotics in the United States, making it difficult to treat.”XDR Report
"[Health-care providers] should understand the nuances of testing and managing infections, especially when treating patients from populations at increased risk of drug-resistant shigellosis including: young children; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men; people experiencing homelessness; international travelers; and people living with HIV.”Children younger than 5 years old — as well as those in day care and educational settings — and travelers to places “where water and food may be unsafe and sanitation is poor” are at additional risk of contracting a shigellosis infection.
CDC
"[Medical professionals treating XDR shigellosis] should consult with a specialist knowledgeable in treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria to determine the best treatment options”• Stay home from school or from health care, food service, or child-care jobs while sick or until the health department says it’s safe to return.
• Abstain from sex.• Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds. • Do not prepare food for others, if possible. • Stay out of recreational water, including swimming pools, hot tubs, water playgrounds, oceans, lakes and rivers. The CDC recommends that all patients with suspected or confirmed shigellosis should: