Health Information Portal (HIP)

Shigella

Topic	Priority Priority Alert Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention. Advisory Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. Notification Provides information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action. Update Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.	Date of Alert
Increase in Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis in the United States	Alert	Mar 6, 2023
Ciprofloxacin-resistance in Shigella isolates in Philadelphia	Advisory	Apr 7, 2015
Increase in Community-wide Transmission of Shigella in Philadelphia	Advisory	Dec 11, 2008
Increase in Congenital Syphilis	Alert	Dec 2, 2008
Shigella Transmission Among Children in Childcare and Other Settings	Advisory	Jul 10, 2008

Surveillance

• CDC Shigella Surveillance

Vaccine Information

No vaccines are currently available for shigellosis.

Diagnosis & Management

The primary way shigellosis is diagnosed is through a stool culture. Infection with Shigella bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, but these bacteria are frequently resistant to many antibiotic drugs. Providers should order antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine the appropriate drug for treatment. Also, treatment is typically reserved for those who present with severe illness, are immunocompromised, or those who work or participate in high-risk settings (childcare, healthcare, and foodhandling).

Resources

For Healthcare Providers:

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health regulations require the exclusion of persons with Shigella infection who participate or work in high-risk settings (e.g., childcare, foodservice, healthcare). They must have two negative stool cultures collected 24 hours apart and at least 48 hours after the completion of antiobiotic therapy before they can return.

Reporting to PDPH

Report shigella cases to PDPH by calling 215-685-6748 during business hours or completing this Disease reporting form and faxing the form to 215-238-6947.

Health Educational Materials

Shigella Fact Sheet

Shigellosis FAQ

Links and Resources

• CDC Shigella Overview

Guidelines for Management and Control

Shigella Guidelines

All Facilities/Populations

• The Philadelphia Department of Public Health regulations require the exclusion of persons with Shigella infection who participate or work in high-risk settings (e.g., childcare, foodservice, healthcare). They must have two negative stool cultures collected 24 hours apart and at least 48 hours after the completion of antibiotic therapy before they can return.

For Patients and Community Members:

Posters:

There are no posters for Shigella.