Shigella infection

Why in news?

• Kerala is battling with Shigella, a new bacterial infection that can be fatal and is believed to be contagious.

About the infection:

• Shigella infection (shigellosis) is an extremely contagious intestinal infection caused by a family of bacteria known as shigella.
• The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhea, which often is bloody, Stomach Pain, Cramps and Fever.
• People get infected with shigella when they come in contact with and swallow small amounts of bacteria from the stool of a person who is infected with shigella.
• Shigella bacteria can also be passed in infected food or by drinking or swimming in unsafe water.
• Children under age 5 are most likely to get shigella infection, but it can occur at any age.
• A mild case usually clears up on its own within a week.  When treatment is needed, doctors generally prescribe antibiotics.

Prelims Question

Consider the following diseases:
1.Cholera
2.Tuberculosis
3.Plague
4.Pertussis
Which of the diseases given above are caused by Bacteria?
(a)1 and 2 only
(b)2 ,3 and 4 only
(c)1,2 and 3 only
(d)1,2,3 and 4

Answer to prelims question