Download Dysentery Infections

Dysentery
Infections –
Essential
Information
For information or advice, please contact New Forest
Environmental Health, 02380 285680
What is Dysentery?
Dysentery is an infectious disease of the large intestine
characterised by symptoms of sickness, fever, headaches,
abnormal pain and diarrhoea, which occasionally may be
bloodstained.
There are basically two types of dysentery:
Amoebic dysentery – this is caused as a result of infection by
a water borne parasite known as Entaemoba histolytica. The
condition is rare in Britain but can be contracted whilst
traveling in tropical and equatorial regions of the World where
it is more common.
Bacterial dysentery – this is the most common form of
dysentery in this country and is caused as a result of infection
by bacteria called Shigella, of which there are several different
strains. It is sometimes referred to as Shigella dysentery or
Shigellosis.
How is Shigella dysentery contracted?
Shigella bacteria are highly infectious and are actively shed
during the diarrhoeal stage of the illness. They can survive
outside the body for several days and my be passed on to
others by any of the following ways:
Hand-to-mouth transfer from contaminated toys and other play
items handled by babies and young children, particularly in
playgroups and nurseries.
Eating food and drinking water or milk that may have been
contaminated with Shigella bacteria.
Illness and symptoms
The illness takes from between 1 to 3 days following ingestion
of the bacteria to manifest itself. Symptoms can include fever,
abdominal pain and offensive, often bloody, diarrhea.
Individuals may also feel tired and dehydrated. Symptoms can
last for up to 2 weeks in duration, after which they should
resolve themselves. It is possible, however, for recovering
cases to act as short-term carriers of the infection for several
days afterwards, and may continue to excrete the bacteria
without necessarily showing any symptoms. It is important,
therefore, for these individuals to exercise good personal
hygiene at all times.
Treatment
The illness is usually self-limiting in most health individuals
and, providing water or rehydration solutions are regularly
taken, resolves itself within ten days. In certain instances,
such as outbreaks in households, schools and nurseries, it
may be necessary to screen close contacts in order to identify
incubating cases or symptomless carriers.
Control and prevention of further cases
To control and prevent the spread of further dysenteric
infections in the household and wider community all cases and
household members should observe the following preventative
measures:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using
the toilet, handling nappies or soiled clothing and especially
before preparing food. Each person should use a separate
towel. Dirty laundry should be washed at home.
Keep the toilet, bathroom and kitchen areas clean and well
disinfected. This includes the toilet pan/bowl, flush lever, door
handles and all contact surfaces.
Confirmed cases should not share bath water with other
members of the family.