Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that attacks large intestines. The bacteria pass from one infected person to the next through contaminated food/water or soiled hands. This disease is most likely to spread in areas without tap water or adequate basic hygiene. Contaminated drinking water may usually trigger regional epidemics. A person will fall ill after ingesting 10 ~ 100 bacteria.

Symptoms:
Diarrhea with associated fever, nausea, vomits, cramps and tenesmus (wish to move bowels but having difficulties in doing so). Bloodstains, mucus, and pus are detected in patients' stool. About one third of patients may have watery diarrhea. To receive proper treatment and examination will prevent the bacteria from spreading and maintain a clean and healthy environment for all.

Prevention:
1.Food should be cooked thoroughly. Avoid cold dishes or food suspected to be contaminated.

2.Unboiled water may contain bacteria. For the sake of safety, only drink boiled water.

3.To develop adequate personal hygiene and hand-washing habits to avoid disease-bearing germs entering the mouth.

4.More attention should be paid to household and environmental hygiene. Trash cans should be covered to avoid propagation of disease-borne insects.

5.Excrement should be handled properly to avoid contamination to drinking water.