Shigella bacteria

Why in news?

• An outbreak of shigella bacteria is believed to be the reason behind the recent incident of suspected food poisoning in Kasaragod district, Kerala.

About Shigella bacteria:

• Sigellosis, or shigella infection, is a contagious intestinal infection caused by a genus of bacteria known as shigella.
  • It is the second leading cause of diarrhea (after Rotavirus) worldwide and the third leading cause of death in children less than 5 years old.
• The incubation period of shigellosis is typically 1–4 days.
• Shigella is generally transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through person-to-person contact.
• Currently, there are no vaccines available for shigellosis.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Shigella bacteria

1. It is the leading cause of diarrhea after Rotavirus

2. They are generally transmitted through contaminated food or water

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer