Shigella poisoning happens when Shigella bacteria contaminates food that is consumed by humans. Shigella is a family of bacteria that is rod shaped and is usually found in human fecal matter as well as in primate fecal matter, such as in chimpanzees and monkeys. Shigella is not typically found in other types of animal fecal matter, but can be found in water that is contaminated with human waste. The bacterium is named after the Japanese scientist who discovered it, and was named Shega.
When a person becomes infected with Shigella bacteria, an illness is developed that is known as shigellosis. Shigellosis, which is also sometimes referred to as bacillary dysentery, is recognized by the symptoms it causes which are gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea. The majority of cases of shigellosis clear up in about one week's time. There are some cases that may take a number of months to resolve; all the while gastrointestinal issues persist. In rare cases, shigellosis can develop into more serious conditions, such as Reiter's syndrome, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and reactive arthritis.
For the most part, shigellosis is passed from person to person by means of ingesting fecal material that is infected with Shigella bacteria. This is done unknowingly when food becomes contaminated because of hygiene that is unsanitary. Shigella remains in the fecal material of a person who has been infected, and continues to remain in the matter for two weeks after the infection has cleared. Toddlers who have been infected with the bacteria commonly pass the condition on to other children. It is also possible for vegetables and other types of produce to be contaminated with Shigella if sewer water is used on the field in which they are grown.
What's more, people can become infected with Shigella bacteria by drinking or swimming in water that contains the organism. Water can become contaminated when sewer drain off mixes with drinking water sources, or when someone with shigellosis swims in the water.
Two thirds of all of the shigellosis cases in the United States are caused by "Group D" Shigella, which is a type of Shigella bacteria called Shigella sonnei. "Group B" Shigella bacteria, or Shigella flexneri, make up the remaining cases. This family of bacteria is also responsible for deadly outbreaks in developing countries, mostly due to Shigelladysenteriae strain. This form and other forms than those listed above are quite rare in the United States.
Shigellosis makes a person ill by infecting the lining of the intestines. Once the bacteria take up residence in the intestines it is released from the intestines and makes its way to the person's stools. This is why stool samples are collected and tested when making a diagnosis of shigellosis. Stools that contain the bacteria then become the main carrier of further contamination. Therefore, when a person who is infected does not practice proper hygiene and hand washing, the contaminated stools can then be passed into water, food, and other people.
In areas where there are crowded living conditions, outbreaks of shigellosis often occur because of contaminated water and food sources, as well as improper sanitation. It is estimated that there are about eighteen thousand cases of shigellosis annually in the United States. Day care centers often see the most cases, however there are many cases linked to restaurants and other dining facilities.
Even just a small amount of Shigella bacteria entering the mouth can lead to severe, unpleasant symptoms associated with shigellosis. Symptoms of the illness typically pop up within one to seven days, averaging about three days after contact with the organism. The most common symptoms associated with Shigellosis include: fever that can be high enough to induce seizures; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea that is watery; pus, blood, or mucus in the stool; pain or cramps in the rectal area; and sudden pain or cramping in the abdomen. Because these symptoms can be quite serious, complications can arise such as: dehydration; abnormal kidney function; gall stones that develop by fast hemolysis, which happens when hemoglobin leaks into the blood stream because of broken red blood cells; seizures; arthritis; coma; convulsions; hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS); stroke; kidney failure that may result in the need for a kidney transplant; uremia, which is kidney failure; respiratory disease syndrome; pancreatic enzymes that are elevated; diabetes; pancreatitis; thrombocyteopenia, which is a blood platelet deficiency; encephalopathy; various types of neurological problems; blindness due to damage that takes place in the occipital cortex of the brain, also known as cortical blindness; various types of blood complications; hemolytic anemia; heart problems; heart attacks; congestive heart failure; cardio myopathy; cardiogenic shock; dizziness; irritability; disorientation; hallucinations; tremors; delirium; changes in behavior; central nervous system problems; and death.
While the above information may be a bit startling, it is important to note that even though food poisoning cases happen on a regular basis, most, if not all of them could have and should have been prevented if proper care had been exercised. Anyone who handles food in any capacity has a duty of care to provide items intended for human consumption that are safe and free of contaminants. When this duty of care is breached, a form of negligence has occurred and you may be entitled to seek legal compensation for your injuries.
In the event that you or someone you know has had to seek medical treatment for a Shigella infection you should not delay in contacting a personal injury attorney for assistance. These professionals are quite skilled in this area of the law and can help you to determine the best course of action. From start to finish your case will be handled on your behalf, and you can take comfort in knowing that your claim is progressing properly. Best of all, most personal injury attorneys do not require any money upfront to pursue a claim; therefore you can focus your attention on your personal health and recovery. Personal injury attorneys will work hard to seek compensation for your injuries, your medical expenses (past and present), lost wages, and various other types of damages.
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