Shigellosis is a bacterial infection affecting the intestinal tract.
Most cases are seen in the summer and early fall and occur as single cases or outbreaks. Anyone can get shigellosis but it is recognized more often in young children. Those who may be at greater risk include children in day care centers, foreign travelers to certain countries, institutionalized people and active homosexuals. Shigella germs are found in the intestinal tract of infected people who in turn may contaminate food or water. The shigella germ is spread by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by direct contact with an infected person.