The Shigella bacteria can trigger a diarrheal condition that can develop among children. There are 4 species of Shigella bacteria that have been identified as capable of infecting the lining of the intestines. Remember that these bacterial conditions are highly contagious.
Shigella infections spread via feces of infected individuals, especially in families and day care centers. It can also spread by consumption of contaminated water or food or directly handling an object in which the bacteria is present. Children aged 2-4 years are susceptible to developing these infections.
What are the indications?
Shigella infections can trigger mild watery stools without other symptoms. Nevertheless, in severe cases, it can be accompanied by abdominal pain, fever, cramping rectal pain and mucus or blood-streaked stools.
A doctor should be consulted if there is blood in the stool of the child, no improvements with diarrhea or shows indications of dehydration.
Management
The doctor might require laboratory tests involving the culture of the stool to be assessed for the presence of the Shigella bacteria.
For mild symptoms, the doctor might decide not to provide any medications. In such cases, the child eventually recovers. Nevertheless, antibiotics must be given in severe cases to eliminate the Shigella bacteria in the stool, shorten the length of diarrhea as well as reduce the chances of spreading the infection to others.
Extra fluids should be given if the child has frequent episodes of watery diarrhea to prevent dehydration. The fluids given must contain salt since these are lost via diarrhea. Rehydration fluids are available over-the-counter, but can be prepared at home.
Preventive measures
In case the child is attending day care, check if the staff observe proper hygienic practices such as regular hand washing.
At home, food must be properly stored, handled and prepared with consideration to good sanitation practices. Those who have diarrheal conditions should not be involved in preparing food for others.