Humans are reservoirs, but cases of food borne shigellosis have been documented. Varies from flu like gastric upset to severe dysentery. Secondary infections prevalent with infants. Requires as little as 200 organisms for disease. Human carriers excrete organisms for weeks after illness.
Toxins are heat stabile.
Common to nose, throat, hair and skin of humans, animal pelts. Protein foods are best carriers, particularly in sauces. Can strike within 30 minutes, normally in 2 to 4 hours. Recovery from violent flu like paroxysms is 24 to 48 hours. Food handlers are major source of contamination.