Shigellosis Shigellosis is a diarrheal illness caused by the Shigella group of bacteria.
Infection is spread by the fecal-oral route.
Only a few bacteria are needed to cause an infection and, unlike many of the diarrheal agents in child care settings, shigella may spread through groups of children who are toilet trained as well as through groups of children who are in diapers. Depending on the infectious dose, infection with shigella may be very mild or it may result in severe bloody diarrhea, fever, cramping, nausea and vomiting. Numerous outbreaks have been reported from child care settings. Children may spread infections acquired in child care facilities to their parents and siblings and whole families may be ill within a matter of days. Deaths have been reported from this illness and it is one of the more serious infections providers are likely to encounter in the child care setting.