Drug-resistant bacteria causing bloody diarrhea is growing threat
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The CDC warns of a growing threat from a drug-resistant strain of shigella bacteria, which causes bloody diarrhea and is becoming increasingly common in the US. Michigan has reported 51 suspected cases of shigellosis in 2026.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a growing threat from a drug-resistant strain of shigella bacteria. This strain, known as XDR shigella, is resistant to multiple antibiotics and has been increasing in the US since 2015. Shigellosis, the infection caused by shigella, typically spreads through oral contact with fecal material, contaminated food and water, or sexual activity with an infected person. Symptoms include prolonged, bloody diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. The CDC reports that the proportion of XDR shigella cases rose from 0% to 8.5% between 2011 and 2023. Michigan has seen 51 reported cases of shigellosis in 2026, although it's unclear if they involve the drug-resistant strain. To avoid shigellosis, the CDC advises washing hands with soap and water, being careful when changing diapers, and following safe food and water habits.
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