Shigellosis

General Information

Shigellosis is a bacterial infection. Approximately 300 to 400 cases are reported in Wisconsin each year. Most cases are seen in the summer and early fall and occur as single cases or outbreaks.

Shigella bacteria are found in the intestinal tract of infected people who in turn may contaminate food or water. The bacteria are spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by direct or indirect contact with fecal material from an infected person.

Shigellosis general information – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Information for Providers

This is a Wisconsin disease surveillance category II disease:

• Report to the patient's local public health department electronically, through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease case report, F-44151 (Word) or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a case.
• Information on communicable disease reporting

Wisconsin reporting and public health follow-up guidelines

• Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-01116 Shigellosis (PDF)
• Wisconsin routine Enteric Follow-up Worksheet (PDF)

Information for health care professionals – CDC

Information for public health professionals – CDC