Shigella is a germ that causes an infectious disease of the bowel. Usually, Shigella is not a serious disease and can be treated.
Most people get better quickly.
Anyone can get Shigellosis but it is recognized more often in young children. Severe diarrhea, a symptom of Shigella, can cause dehydration that can be sometimes dangerous for the very young, very old or the chronically ill. It is important to know that even though you may have had a case of Shigella, you can get it again. The symptoms of Shigella include mild or severe diarrhea, often with fever and traces of blood or mucous in the stool. This may be accompanied by abdominal cramps.