Shigella infection

Have you contracted a Shigella infection whilst on holiday abroad?

Shigella infection is a major cause of illness among holidaymakers who stay in package holiday hotels. If a hotel guest contracts shigella bacteria as a result of poor standards of food or hygiene in their holiday hotel, they may be able to claim compensation when they return to the UK with the help of Farnworth Rose.

Anne Thomson, our Head of Travel Law and Holiday Illness Compensation Claims, says: “Holidaymakers should never be exposed to shigella bacteria in their holiday hotels. If your holiday has been spoilt by shigella or any other bacterial infection as a result of poor sanitation or hygiene, you should claim the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact me on: 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.”

Main causes of Shigella infection include:

• Ingestion of faeces which commonly occurs when food handlers don´t wash their hands after using the toilet
• Eating contaminated food
• Swallowing
• Drinking contaminated water which has been infected by sewage

What is Shigella?

Shigella are bacteria that can infect the digestive tract.Shigellosis an intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of the shigella bacteria.  Shigellosis is also known as bacillary dysentery. Ingestion of less than 100 shigella bacteria can result in food poisoning causing severe diarrhoea.  Shigella thrive in the human intestine and are the third most common pathogen transmitted through food.

What are the symptoms of a Shigella infection?

Typical symptoms of a shigella infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. Some people may suffer shigella infection without showing any symptoms of illness but their faeces could still be contagious.

How long is a Shigella infection likely to last?

Mild cases of shigella infection usually clear up naturally within a week but more severe cases can take several weeks or even months to clear up. Holidaymakers who suffer any type of gastric illness should seek urgent medical advice particularly if the diarrhoea is severe or if it contains blood.

How can Shigella infections be prevented?

Shigella infections can be prevented in holiday hotels if food handlers:

• Wash their hands frequently and especially after having used the toilet
• Never prepare food if they are suffering from any type of gastric illness
• Avoid cross contamination of food
• Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly
• Wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly
• Store food at the correct temperatures
• Never reheat food more than once and make sure it is steaming hot when served

How is Shigellosis treated?

Most people with shigellosis recover on their own but some may require fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics are occasionally used to treat severe cases or to shorten the carrier phase which is very important for food handlers.