Page Title Figure 1. Reported cases of shigellosis by month and year of onset, Houston, Texas, 1995-1999. Introduction Shigellosis is an acute disease usually characterized by diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. The diarrhea is often watery and bloody. Symptoms usually develop 1 to 3 days after infection.
Illness is usually self-limiting.
Host-specific factors play a role in the presentation and severity of illness. Some persons who are infected may have no symptoms at all, while others, especially young children and the elderly, can have disease so severe that hospitalization is required. A severe infection with high fever may also be associated with seizures in children less than 2 years of age. Fluid and electrolyte replacement is recommended for cases with watery diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Antibiotics are usually given to treat severe cases.