The Alameda County Public Health Department has detected an increase in reports of infections due to Shigella bacteria species in Alameda County, including cases of bacteremia known as shigellemia. These cases have mainly occurred among residents of Board and Care facilities and persons experiencing homelessness (PEH); some patients also have a history of drug use. In these recently reported cases, most patients have required antibiotics, and some have required hospitalization. Associated isolates have been susceptible to fluoroquinolones and carbapenems.

Healthcare professionals are urged to be vigilant for possible cases of Shigella infection, to report cases to their local health department, and to educate patients and communities at increased risk about prevention and transmission. Due to recent reports of shigellemia, clinicians are advised to have a low threshold for conducting both blood and stool cultures for suspected cases. Importantly, clinicians must request susceptibility testing against all the common antibiotics used to treat Shigella if cultures are positive. In addition, providers are reminded to submit Shigella isolates to the Alameda County Public Health Laboratory (ACPHL) for further testing.

Please refer to the Health Advisory for more information. shigellosis-shigellemia-acphd-health-advisory-2024.02.16.pdf