Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
Shigella cases rise in 27 US states and territories as drug resistance grows
Shigellosis cases rose in 27 US states and territories in the week ending October 3 compared with the same week last year.
The CDC has recorded 14,291 cases nationwide so far this year, nearly matching the total at this point last year.
Shigellosis is a gut infection caused by Shigella bacteria, and it can cause severe diarrhea, cramps, fever and vomiting.
It often spreads through contaminated food or surfaces, but sexual contact is an increasingly recognized route, especially when partners come into contact with tiny amounts of fecal matter.
The infection is often diagnosed in young children, but cases are also being reported among gay or bisexual men, international travelers and homeless people.
A drug-resistant strain is becoming more common: its share of cases rose from zero in 2011–2015 to 8.5 percent in 2023, according to CDC researchers.
Many infections clear without treatment within five days, but antibiotics may not work as well for severe cases, and the CDC data show the rise is continuing.
Provisional CDC data show 27 US states and territories recorded more shigellosis cases in the week to October 3 than during the same period last year.
A total of 14,291 cases have been recorded nationwide so far this year, 300 fewer than at the same point last year.
The rise comes amid concern about an extensively drug-resistant strain of Shigella bacteria.
Shigellosis can spread through contaminated food or surfaces and is increasingly being transmitted during sex.
California has recorded the most cases so far this year, while Wyoming had the largest year-on-year increase.
- Who
- People with shigellosis in the United States. Cases are increasingly being diagnosed among gay or bisexual men, international travelers and homeless people.
- What
- Shigellosis cases rose in 27 states and territories compared with the same period last year. Concern is growing about drug-resistant Shigella.
- When
- In the week to October 3, compared with the same time last year. The article was published October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The United States, across 27 states and territories.
- Why
- The sources do not explain why cases rose. They report concern about a strain resistant to standard antibiotics.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
CDC researchers’ analysis found that none of the cases analyzed were caused by the extensively drug-resistant strain.
CDC researchers released a report warning that the extensively drug-resistant strain was spreading.
The extensively drug-resistant strain accounted for 8.5 percent of cases analyzed.
Twenty-seven states and territories recorded more cases than during the same period last year.
- Cases so far this year
- 14,291 nationwide
- States and territories with increases
- 27
- California cases
- 2,970
- New York City cases
- 1,276
- Florida cases
- 1,070
- Extensively drug-resistant strain
- 8.5 percent of cases analyzed in 2023
Sources
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