Is shigella infection life-threatening?

Rigomo Team

Sat, 04 Oct 2025

The cause of death is thought to be cardiac arrest, which was triggered by myocarditis, a heart muscle inflammation caused by shigella infection.

Shigella infection, also known as shigellosis, is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria from the shigella family. It spreads through the consumption of contaminated water, spoiled food, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and close contact with shigella-infected people. For children under the age of five and those with weakened immunity, the infection can be fatal. Shigella can spread quickly if the public is not careful.

The main symptoms are diarrhoea (which is more serious than regular bowel movements), stomach pain, vomiting, tiredness, and fever. Within seven days of exposure, symptoms may appear. Children under the age of five are more likely to contract the infection, though it can also affect adults. It is possible that the infection will last two to three days.

Antibiotics have been used to treat Shigella infections, but "there is no Shigellosis vaccine." Vaccines are the only effective way to combat the disease, but according to fda.gov (Food and Drug Administration), there are no licenced Shigella vaccines available.