Drug-resistant shigella spreading, CDC says. Why that’s a problem
April 17, 2026, 7:17 a.m. ET
Federal health officials are warning people about a growing threat from a drug-resistant strain of shigella, a diarrhea-causing bacteria, that’s becoming increasingly common, including in Michigan.
XDR shigella, a drug-resistant strain of the shigella bacteria that leads to shigellosis infections, represents a “public health threat” in the U.S., according to an April 9 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There’s no federally approved drug to treat the resistant infection.
“Since 2015, a growing proportion of cases has been caused by extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella species, defined as being resistant to ampicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,” the CDC warned.
Shigellosis mainly spreads through oral contact with fecal material through sexual activity with an infected person, or through contaminated food and water. An infection can cause prolonged, bloody diarrhea, stomach pain and fever, the CDC explained.
The Cleveland Clinic said shigellosis also is known as bacillary dysentery.
Shigella remains the primary cause of diarrhea in pediatric patients worldwide and accounts for up to 40,000 deaths per year, according to the National Library of Medicine.
The Michigan Disease Surveillance System lists 51 suspected/investigated cases of shigellosis in 2026. It’s not clear whether any involved the drug-resistant strain.
Here’s what to know about Shigella.
What is drug-resistant shigella?
Shigella is a bacteria that causes shigellosis, an infection that causes diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The infection typically spreads via contact with an infected or recently infected person, drinking or eating contaminated food or water and via sexual activity with an infected person, according to the CDC.
Federal officials say a drug-resistant XDR strain of the infection is becoming more common. An April 9 CDC report said the variant increased from 0% to 8.5% of infections from 2011 to 2023, reflecting a “public health threat.” The variant was first detected in 2016.
The CDC cautioned that data likely under counts the number of drug-resistant cases.
Who is most at risk for shigellosis?
Historically in the U.S., shigellosis — the illness that comes from shigella infections — primarily affected children. In contrast, during 2016-23, persons with XDR shigellosis for whom demographic data were available were predominantly non-Hispanic White men, the CDC said.
Approximately one third of patients were hospitalized.
Is shigellosis spreading in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan has seen 51 reported cases of shigellosis in 2026, according to an April 6 report from the Michigan Disease Surveillance System.
What are shigellosis symptoms?
Here are common shigellosis symptoms, according to the CDC:
- Diarrhea that may be bloody and last beyond three days
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Feeling the need to pass stool even when bowels are empty
How can you avoid shigellosis?
Following these tips can help you avoid shigellosis, the CDC advises:
- Wash your hands with soap and water at key times
- Be careful when changing diapers
- Avoid swallowing water while swimming
- Follow safe food and water habits and clean your hands often while traveling internationally
- If you or your partner were diagnosed with shigellosis, do not have sex for at least two weeks after diarrhea ends
What’s the treatment for shigellosis?
If your symptoms are manageable, you can usually take care of yourself at home until you feel better, the Cleveland Clinic advises: “Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Ask your provider before taking anti-diarrheal medications. They can sometimes make symptoms worse and make the illness go on longer than it needs to.”
In severe cases, doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or azithromycin.
“Since 2015, a growing proportion of cases has been caused by extensively drug-resistant shigella species, defined as being resistant to ampicillin, azithromycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,” the CDC warned.
XDR also has been found to be resistant to chloramphenicol; but no resistance to meropenem or fosfomycin was identified, the CDC said.
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.