CDC alerts clinicians to increase in drug-resistant Shigellosis infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today advised clinicians to report extensively drug-resistant strains of Shigella infections to their state or local health department, and educate patients and communities at increased risk. About 5% of Shigella infections reported to CDC last year were caused by these strains, up from zero in 2015. Shigella bacteria are easily transmissible and can cause bloody diarrhea that may lead to fever and abdominal cramping.