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Shigella and Dysentery, a Holiday Nightmare
Shigella and Dysentery, a Holiday Nightmare
Dysentery explained
Dysentery is a bowel infection that originates from bacteria known as Shigella (bacillary dysentery) or by an amoeba (amoebic dysentery). Symptoms of the infection include severe abdominal cramps and diarrhoea with blood. The diarrhoea may often be painful as frequent trips to the toilet become necessary. Vomiting and a fever may also accompany the diarrhoea. The most severe cases are usually found with holidaymakers who have visited countries such as Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey and the Dominican Republic. Holiday makers can become very ill and it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Shigella explained
Shigella appears as four different types: dysenteriae; flexneri; boydii and sonnei. The infection attacks the large bowel leading to the symptoms listed above and in the most severe cases can lead to kidney failure. Holiday makers in Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia are more likely to contract the more severe form Shigella dysenteriae as it is more common in developing countries.
How can Shigella be caught?
The Shigella infection is very easily spread between people as only a small amount of the bacteria is needed to infect. This is the most common form of transmission. However, food washed with contaminated water can also be a source of the Shigella infection.
Who is likely to be affected?
Young children are the most likely sufferers of Shigella in developed countries as they tend to pass it on and contract it easily from other children they mix with. The children then may spread the infection further to the adult members of the family. Adults can contract the infection especially if they are in close contact with a number of other adults such as at all inclusive holiday hotels and cruise ships. Holidaymakers are particularly at risk of contracting Shigella while they are travelling around less developed countries. Poor sewage systems and water supplies contribute to the spread of the Shigella Infection. Flies are also a cause for concern as they are able to spread Shigella from person to person.
Can it be diagnosed?
Shigella can be diagnosed by simple analysis of a stool sample.
Treatment and Prevention
Dehydration through diarrhoea and vomiting is the biggest issue facing sufferers of Shigella. It is therefore important to maintain an intake of fluids to replace those lost. In the more severe cases antibiotics may be administered to reduce the length of the illness and help prevent the spread of it.
Good hygiene both personal and in the hotels is important to prevent the outbreak and spreading of Shigella. Hotels need to provide sufficient hand washing facilities in the toilet areas and also maintain a good system of cleaning throughout the hotel. It important that the hotel has a safe source of water and that any sewage is dealt with safely and effectively.
Should you contract Shigella whilst on a package holiday then it may be worth contacting a specialist holiday illness claims solicitor who may be able to help you obtain compensation for your illness from the tour operator! Searching For London Hotels Cheap Franchising with dor-2-dor Watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Lakers PC Channel Live Holidaying in and around Malaga Costa del Sol Cheap Flights Allow Travelers to Spend Their Money Elsewhere Einstein College of Australia - Study in Melbourne World Nomads Travel Insurance Review Pleaser high heels - not only for strippers Is Liposuction in Phoenix an Option? England vs Ireland live stream Six Nations Rugby free video telecast How to Meet the Best Christian Singles Washington DC Five Destinations to be Passionate in Paris Alaska Fishing trips