COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina health officials said Friday that reported shigellosis cases are running ahead of last year, with 165 infections counted so far compared with 135 during the same stretch of 2025.
Most cases this year have been among adult males ages 18 to 49, and July saw the highest monthly total. Case counts have been falling since then, and a Public Health Department spokesperson said there are no outbreaks and no reason for heightened public alarm.
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Shigellosis is caused by Shigella bacteria and can spread through contaminated food or water, close contact, or sexual activity. Nationally, the CDC estimates hundreds of thousands of infections a year, with a large share antibiotic-resistant. South Carolina typically averages about 54 cases annually.
Symptoms often include diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever within a day or two of exposure. Many people recover with fluids and rest in about a week, though they can still shed the bacteria for up to two more weeks. Antibiotics may be used in severe cases, but some strains resist common drugs.
The department monitors cases for clusters. Handwashing after bathroom use and before eating, keeping sick children out of pools until diarrhea has stopped for at least two days, and avoiding food prep while ill are the main prevention steps officials stress.
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