The rise in dysentery cases caused by the Shigella Sonne bacterium has been a cause for concern for the Ministry of Health in Israel. In 2023, 4,679 cases were recorded, compared to just several hundred cases in previous years. This represents a significant increase, with kindergartens experiencing the highest increase in cases.
The Jerusalem District had 30% of all dysentery cases, followed by 26% in the Central District and 20% in the Tel Aviv District. An audit conducted by the Public Health Laboratory Center revealed that the Shigella Sonne strain of dysentery has become resistant to many common antibiotics over the past two years.
Shigella is a gram-negative bacterium that can cause severe illness, particularly in young children. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted through contaminated food or contact with infected individuals. The incubation period ranges from 12 hours to several days before symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weakness start to appear. Meningitis is one of the dangerous complications that can arise from a bacterial infection, potentially leading to life-threatening outcomes.
The Ministry of Health has reported an outbreak of dysentery caused by the Shigella bacterium, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting that can be life-threatening, especially in children and infants. The bacterium has shown resistance to most antibiotics, making it crucial to observe strict hygiene practices to prevent infection.
It is essential to take preventive measures and adhere to strict hygiene practices to reduce the risk of dysentery caused by this resistant strain of Shigella Sonne. This includes washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Avoiding raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, and vegetables can also help prevent infection.
In summary, there has been a significant increase in dysentery cases caused by the Shigella Sonne bacterium over the past year in Israel. This rise has been linked to kindergartens experiencing the highest increase in cases. The Ministry of Health has raised concerns about this alarming rise and identified strict hygiene practices as crucial for preventing infection.
Parents should ensure their children wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol when possible. Additionally avoiding raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs
