Shigella – College Essay Example

symptoms but can still transmit the shigella organism to others.

Shigellosis can be acquired through various means, including the consumption of contaminated food and drinks if a food handler with Shigellosis fails to adequately wash their hands after using the restroom. Vegetables may also become contaminated if they are cultivated in fields polluted with sewage water. Swimming and ingesting contaminated water also pose risks. The main transmission and contraction of Shigella typically occur in daycares among toddlers and children under 5, as well as in unsanitary environments such as poverty-stricken areas.

To prevent Shigella infection, it is essential to wash your hands with soap and water before preparing foods or beverages. When swimming in pools, lakes, or ponds, it is crucial to avoid swallowing water. Additionally, always remember to wash your hands after using the restroom and ensure that any vegetables are washed before consumption.

It is recommended to only drink treated or boiled water while traveling in developing countries. Shigella is often linked to foodborne illness and can contaminate various foods including salads, potatoes, shrimp, tuna, chicken, turkey, macaroni, fruit, lettuce, strawberries, spinach, raw oysters, luncheon meat and milk. These or other foods can become contaminated if they come into contact with polluted water or are handled in unsanitary conditions. Any mishandled food can potentially spread the disease.

The usual treatment for Shigella is antibiotics prescribed by doctors if necessary, although the infection often resolves on its own within a week. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Shigillosis is more common in winter than summer and ranks as the third most frequent foodborne illness after Salmonella and

E. coli. Gay individuals or those with HIV face a higher risk of contracting shigella. In 2011, South Carolina, Georgia, and New York reported the highest number of shigella infections.