Dysentery, caused by the Shigella bacterium, is a growing concern in Israel, with a significant increase in cases over the past year. According to Maariv, 4,679 cases were reported in 2023 compared to just a few hundred in previous years. The Ministry of Health has expressed concern over this alarming rise in cases, particularly among young children in kindergartens.
The distribution of dysentery cases has been highest in the Jerusalem District (30%), followed by the Central District (26%) and the Tel Aviv District (20%). An audit conducted by the Public Health Laboratory Center in Jerusalem revealed that Shigella Sonne strains have become resistant to common antibiotics, posing a significant challenge for treatment.
Shigella is a highly contagious gram-negative bacterium that can cause severe illness, especially in children under five years old. The primary mode of transmission is through contaminated food or contact with an infected individual. Symptoms typically include high fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and pain during bowel movements.
In severe cases, Shigella can lead to complications such as meningitis, characterized by symptoms like vomiting, confusion, sensitivity to light, and even convulsions. Prompt diagnosis through laboratory testing is crucial to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment regimen for infected individuals.
To prevent infection from occurring again due to Shigella Sonne resistance to antibiotics, strict hygiene practices must be adhered to. This includes proper cleaning and handling of food products and maintaining good hand hygiene practices among individuals who may have come into contact with an infected person or contaminated food source.
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