Shigellosis is a bacterial infection.
Approximately 300 cases are reported in Wisconsin each year. 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. Animals are not infected with nor do they carry Shigella.