An expert has warned that a little-known STI is on the rise and are urging people to look out for the signs and symptoms, as well as how to avoid it.
Shigella, otherwise known as dysentery, is caused by highly infectious bacteria and is spread through faecal mater. This infection has seen a 24 per cent rise in the past four years and although still far less common that STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, experts are concerned about how much cases are increasing each year.
Although dysentery is commonly associated with medieval times or thought to be caused by lack of clean water, common in countries with sub-par sewage systems that leak into water supplies - which it is - it is also an infection that can be passed on through sexual activity.
Dr Bhavini Shah, GP from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, explained more about the STI and how it is spread. She told the Express: "Its a highly infectious bacteria which commonly causes diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as abdominal pain and fever.
"Shigella is caused by bacteria found in faeces. Only a tiny amount needs to get into your mouth to pass it on – for example, from your fingers. It’s often caused by contaminated food, but it can also be passed on sexually. Sex that may involve contact with faeces is a risk. This includes anal sex, fisting, handling a condom or sex toy used for anal sex, oral sex after anal sex, touching someone’s backside or rimming."
A person who develops shigella can be infectious for up to a month and still able to pass the disease onto other people. It's extremely contagious and even more concerningly, anti-biotic resistant strains of the disease are become more and more common, according to Dr Shah.
She said: "There has been a 53% increase in antibiotic resistant shigella from January to November 2023, with 97 cases being reported, compared to just nine cases for the whole of 2022."
The key to avoid contracting the disease through sexual activity is by practicing "good sexual hygiene", said Dr Shah. She added: "This involves washing your hands after sex, sanitising sex toys, and using a dental dam if you’re engaging in anal rimming. It is also important to avoid any sort of oral sex after having anal sex."
She continued: "In everyday life, you can easily avoid catching shigella by washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before you eat and after you use the toilet."
If you think you might have contracted shigella from sexual activity, Dr Shah suggests a few ways you can tested and treated for the disease. She said: "If you’re experiencing symptoms you should contact your GP or local sexual health clinic."
She continued: "You should explain to them that you may have picked up a gut infection from sex, possibly shigella. The doctor needs to know this so you get the right tests and treatment.
"For most people, the illness gets better on its own after 3 to 7 days. But some people can have a severe illness. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, a GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics."
Aside from visiting the GP, Dr Shah suggests you also avoid all sexual activity for seven days after your symptoms end and avoid sharing bedding, towels and clothes. You should also avoid cooking or preparing food for others and wash your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap.
She said: "Shigella is also highly contagious, so you should try to work from home or take sick leave until at least 48 hours after symptoms cease.
"This is especially important if your job involves handling food and drink or you work in healthcare, as you will need to be given the all-clear by a public health official.
"If you have other symptoms or are worried about your sexual health, it is always best to visit your local STI clinic or order a postal STI testing kit."