Shigellosis is a bacterial infection affecting the intestinal tract.
It is a fairly common disease. Most cases are seen in the Summer and early Fall. Anyone can get shigellosis, but it is recognized most often in young children. Those who may be at greater risk include children in day care centers, travelers to certain foreign countries, and individuals living in institutional settings. Shigella germs are found in the intestinal tract of infected people who in turn may contaminate food or water.