The Situation Report | February 27, 2023
On February 24, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted a Health Advisory on Shigellosis.
The CDC states that it has been monitoring an increase in extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections (shigellosis) reported through national surveillance systems. In 2022, about 5% of Shigella infections reported to CDC were caused by XDR strains, compared with 0% in 2015.
Clinicians treating patients infected with XDR strains have limited antimicrobial treatment options. Shigella bacteria are easily transmissible. XDR Shigella strains can spread antimicrobial resistance genes to other enteric bacteria. Given these potentially serious public health concerns, CDC asks healthcare professionals to be vigilant about suspecting and reporting cases of XDR Shigella infection to their local or state health department and educating patients and communities at increased risk about prevention and transmission.
The Advisory includes background information; recommendations for healthcare professionals, public health officials and the public; and resources.