Outbreak of Dysentery in Israel with Pathogen Resistant to Common Treatments

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.

According to Maariv, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of dysentery caused by the Shigella Sonne bacterium over the past year. In 2023, 4,679 cases of the disease were recorded, compared to just several hundred cases in previous years. The Ministry of Health has raised concerns about this alarming rise, with kindergartens experiencing the highest increase in cases.

The Ministry of Health has identified the Jerusalem District as having 30% of dysentery cases, followed by 26% in the Central District and 20% in the Tel Aviv District of Israel. An audit conducted by the Public Health Laboratory Center in Jerusalem revealed that the Shigella Sonne strain of dysentery in Israel has become resistant to many common antibiotics over the past two years.

Shigella is a gram-negative bacterium that is highly contagious and can cause severe illness, particularly in young children. Infection is less common in children under six months of age, possibly due to their diet and lack of exposure to kindergartens. Shigella Sonne can lead to bloody diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and even life-threatening complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.

The bacterium is typically 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.

In cases where laboratory tests confirm the presence of the Shigella bacterium, antibiotics are prescribed to treat the 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.