Gay and bisexual men have been warned today of a rise in cases of sexually transmitted superbugs.
Bosses at Britain’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said cases of a “widespread” antibiotic-resistant variant of Shigella sonnei had increased 24-fold in less than a year in England.
The intestinal infection can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever. Some patients require hospitalization.
According to official data, 97 cases of infection were reported this year alone by the end of November. Only four are registered in 2022.
It also represents the highest annual number of antibiotic-resistant Shigella cases since the pandemic began.
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Shigella bacteria contain a “switch” protein called VirB, which causes the bacteria to cause severe gastrointestinal disease in humans
The number of Shigella cases rose by 24 per cent (485) in September compared to the same period in 2019 (392), UKHSA data shows.
The rising numbers are a reminder of the importance of testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), health ministers have warned.
Every region in England has recorded at least one case of Shigella, she added. But liked it focus on London (45), northwest (21) and southeast (12).
Most infected people will likely have treatable symptoms of gastroenteritis.
However, antibiotic treatments are recommended for people with severe symptoms, including persistent diarrhea, those who require hospitalization, or those who have an underlying immune deficiency.
But the bug has become resistant to quinolones and azithromycin, two of the most common types of antibiotics ever used to kill the disease.
The infection is caused by bacteria in stool, which is usually transmitted through sex with anal contact.
But it can also be spread by unwashed hands, when infected people contaminate surfaces that others may touch, or when someone eats food contaminated with the bacteria.
Dr Gauri Godbole, medical microbiologist at the UKHSA, said: “This is a worrying increase in cases of this antibiotic-resistant strain, which means it can be very difficult to treat.”
“One of the best ways to protect yourself and your partners is to practice good hygiene after sex.”
“Avoid oral sex immediately after anal sex, use condoms when having anal or oral sex, and wash your hands with soap after sexual contact.”
“It is important that gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men do not ignore their symptoms and talk to their GP or a sexual health clinic and mention Shigella if they feel unwell.”
He recommended that men with shigella be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, because they may have been exposed to other infections.
Infected people should stay hydrated, rest and avoid sex until a week after the last symptoms, said Dr. Godball
You should also avoid all spas, swimming, hot tubs, towel sharing and avoid preparing food for other people until symptoms subside.
But it’s not just men who have sex with men that authorities are concerned about in terms of the spread of the Shigella strain.
While 90 per cent of cases recorded in 2023 were in men with an average age of 35, suggesting “sexual transmission predominates”, UKHSA bosses also warned of the dangers of foodborne infections.
The spread of the virus among grocery workers and caregivers has previously led to outbreaks around the world, as they continued to work when sick, they said.
Symptoms usually appear within four days of infection, but are often mistaken for food poisoning.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
