The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) is monitoring an outbreak of Shigellosis on Guam. In 2018, a total of 29 cases of Shigellosis were reported (with 23 cases or 79% confirmed) and so far in 2019, a total of 10 cases have been reported (with 90 percent confirmed).
Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella (shih-GEHL-uh). Most who are infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria. Shigellosis usually resolves in 5 to 7 days. Some people who are infected may have no symptoms at all, but may still pass the Shigella bacteria to others. The spread of Shigella can be stopped by frequent and careful handwashing with soap and taking other hygiene measures.
People usually get sick from Shigella bacteria after putting something in their mouth or swallowing something that has come into contact with the stool (poop) of someone else who is sick from Shigella bacteria.