Gay men warned about rise of “extremely drug-resistant” STI
raising the alarm about Shigella, a gut infection that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, rectal cramps, bloody stool, dehydration, and fever.Specifically, the UKHSA has “detected a rise in cases of extremely antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections, mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM).”Between Sept.
1, 2021. and Jan. 10, 2022, the UKHSA reported 47 cases of the antibiotic resistant Shigella sonnei strain. The UKHSA has been monitoring the strain since 2018, but warns that “recent cases show resistance to antibiotics is increasing.”Shigella is spread through contact with feces that contains the bacteria, such as through anal sex, rimming, or via unwashed hands.The bacteria is “very infectious,” UKHSA warns, noting that only a “tiny amount of bacteria can spread the infection.” Symptoms typically appear between one and four days after exposure and can be mistaken for food poisoning.While symptoms usually subside within a week without treatment, requiring only rest and fluids, some people experience symptoms for four or more weeks, according to the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Those in poor health or with weakened immune systems, such as people living with HIV, are more likely to experience symptoms for longer periods of time.
