Shigella bacteria cause a diarrheal illness that can occur in
children. Four species of Shigella bacteria (S boydii, S
dysenteriae, S flexneri, and S sonnei) have been identified as
infecting the lining of the intestines. These bacterial
illnesses are highly contagious. They are spread through the
feces of people with the infection, particularly in close
contact environments such as within families and in child care
centers. They can also be contracted by consuming contaminated
food or water or by touching an object on which the bacteria may
be present. Children aged 2 to 4 years are particularly
vulnerable to developing the disease. The incubation period is
usually 2 to 4 days. Signs and Symptoms A Shigella infection can
cause mild watery or loose stools with no other symptoms, or it
can be more serious, with fever, abdominal cramps or tenderness,
crampy rectal pain (tenesmus), and mucous-filled and sometimes
bloody stools. When to Call Your Pediatrician Call your
pediatrician if you notice blood in your chi