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Shigella

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Last content update: 9/10/24

Public Health has identified an outbreak of Shigella among individuals experiencing homelessness in Santa Clara County. As of September 10, there are 15 people who have tested positive for Shigella associated with this outbreak investigation and 22 more suspected cases in the county have been identified.

Service providers conducting outreach or service delivery with people experiencing homelessness or in encampments should follow these recommendations.
Several encampments affected by the ongoing Shigella outbreak are located along the Guadalupe River. Shigella can spread through water, and only a small number of individual bacteria are needed to cause illness. Because some individuals sick with Shigella have reported using the river for bathing and toileting, Public Health advises that people avoid contact with Guadalupe River water downstream of Highway 85 (the intersection of Highway 85 and Almaden Expressway). People who do come in contact should avoid swallowing the water and should wash with soap and water before eating or touching their face. Partner organization workers who may come into contact with river water in the vicinity of the encampments have been advised to wear personal protective equipment.

What is Shigella?

Shigella are bacteria (germs) that cause diarrhea. Shigella bacteria cause an infection called shigellosis.

How is Shigella spread?

Shigella germs are in poop, so anything that gets contaminated by poop can potentially spread the germs.

You can get exposed to Shigella germs from:

  • Having direct contact with someone infected with Shigella (for example, having sex with them).
  • Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with Shigella.
  • Touching objects that are contaminated with Shigella and then putting your unwashed hands in your mouth.

Shigella spreads easily – swallowing just a small amount of Shigella germs can make you sick.

What are the symptoms of Shigella infection?

Symptoms of Shigella infection (shigellosis) are diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged (lasting more than 3 days), fever, stomach pain, and feeling the need to poop even when the bowels are empty. Symptoms usually last about 7 days.

How soon after exposure to Shigella will symptoms appear?

Symptoms usually begin 1 to 7 days after exposure to Shigella germs.

What is the treatment for Shigella infection?

A person with Shigella infection (shigellosis) should drink plenty of fluids to replace fluids lost from diarrhea and prevent dehydration. This is especially important for people who are very young, very old, or immunocompromised. A healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotic medicine to treat shigellosis.

If you think you or someone you are caring for is becoming severely dehydrated, contact a healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room.

Need a doctor or health insurance? Call the County's Patient Access Department at 1 (866) 967-4677 or drop in at 770 S. Bascom Ave. San Jose, CA 95128.

How can you help prevent the spread of Shigella?

If you think you have Shigella infection, clean your hands and surfaces you touch often while you have diarrhea and for several weeks after.
  • Hand washing with soap and water is the most important way to prevent the spread of Shigella. While washing hands with soap and water is preferred, if these are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces or linens that are touched often or have been near diarrhea.
  • Throw out any food items that have been near diarrhea. Follow food safety practices and wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
  • Do not have sex until diarrhea has been gone for 2 weeks. Shigella germs can be found in poop for several weeks after the diarrhea has gone away. When you start having sex again, wash your hands, body, and sex toys before and after and use barriers such as condoms or dental dams. For more information, see our Shigella and safer sex flyer (English | Spanish).
  • Stay home from work or school if you have diarrhea and are a food, healthcare, or childcare worker.

Additional resources

If you are a healthcare provider, sign up for health alerts, advisories, and updates from the Santa Clara County Health Officer.