Shigellosis in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Shigellosis is a type of food poisoning. It's caused by infection with the Shigella bacteria. It can give your child diarrhea and stomach cramps. Your child may also vomit and have a fever. These symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days.

The bacteria is spread from stool, food, or contaminated water. Your child may get infected because the bacteria are on your child's fingers and your child then puts his or her fingers in the mouth. Or your child may eat food that was touched by someone who has the infection.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child?

Here are ways to help manage your child's symptoms.

• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Give your child sips of water or drinks like Pedialyte or Infalyte to replace lost fluids from vomiting and diarrhea. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. Give these drinks as long as your child is throwing up or has diarrhea. Don't use them as the only source of liquids or food for more than 12 to 24 hours.
• Watch for and treat signs of dehydration. Your child's mouth may feel very dry. Your child may have sunken eyes with few tears when crying. Your child may lack energy and want to be held a lot. Your child may not urinate as often as usual.
• Don't give your child over-the-counter antidiarrhea or upset-stomach medicines without talking to your doctor first. Don't give Pepto-Bismol or other medicines that contain salicylates, a form of aspirin, or aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Start to offer small amounts of food when your child feels like eating.

How can you help prevent it?

You can help prevent the spread of shigellosis by washing your hands frequently and carefully with soap, especially if you work or spend time in day care centers or with children who are not completely toilet trained. When possible, keep young children with shigellosis who are still in diapers away from uninfected children.

If your child is in diapers and has shigellosis, after diaper changing, wipe the changing area with a disinfectant such as diluted household bleach and put the diapers in a closed-lid garbage can. Then wash your hands with soap and warm water. To dilute household bleach, follow the directions on the label.

People who have shigellosis should not prepare food or pour water for others. Shigella are present in the diarrhea of people with shigellosis and for 1 or 2 weeks after symptoms have stopped.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has new or worse belly pain.
• Your child has a new or higher fever.
• Your child is dizzy or lightheaded, or feels like they may faint.
• Your child has symptoms of dehydration, such as:
  • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
  • Passing only a little urine.
  • Feeling thirstier than normal.
• Your child cannot keep down medicine or fluids.
• Your child has new or more blood in stools.
• Your child has new or worse vomiting or diarrhea.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child does not get better as expected.