Contracted from untreated drinking water, infected pets, and when contaminated meat, poultry, milk, or shellfish is eaten raw or undercooked. Wash hands, utensils and surfaces that touch raw poultry or meat. Thoroughly cook meat, poultry, and seafood. Common in nature, food processing environments, and intestinal tracts of humans and animals. Spread in untreated water, unpasteurized milk and dairy products, raw meat and seafood, plus raw vegetables fertilized with infected manure.
Adults can develop fever, chills, and intestinal flu-like symptoms.
Infants may vomit, refuse to drink, or have trouble breathing. Rare, but can be fatal. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, infirm, and immune-compromised are most at risk. Follow keep refrigerated labels, observe sell by and use by dates, and thoroughly reheat frozen or refrigerated processed meat and poultry products before eating. Shigella multiply at room temperature.