Shigella

US health officials are tracking a rise in extensively drug-resistant Shigella, with resistant strains now making up 8.5% of cases. The bacterial infection, which causes severe diarrhea, can spread through sexual contact, and outbreaks among men who have sex with men have drawn attention. Health agencies are urging doctors to report cases and use antibiotics carefully as treatment options narrow.

Health officials are reporting a rapid rise in cases of a diarrhea-causing bacterium that spreads through sexual contact, particularly shigella, which has shown growing drug resistance in recent outbreaks. The story, highlighted in US news coverage, is drawing attention to changing transmission patterns and prompting calls for greater awareness among doctors and the public about symptoms, testing and prevention.

Health authorities are reporting an increase in shigella infections that resist antibiotic treatment, with sexual contact identified as a growing route of transmission. The findings have prompted renewed warnings about safer sexual practices and concerns that drug-resistant strains could spread further if the outbreak is not contained.