Image by Kai from Pixabay
A Public Health Advisory went out to health care providers about an uptick in cases involving shigellosis in Maine.
In addition to information about the recent cases compared to historical trends, The state Department of Health and Human Services and Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention provided recommendations to identify and report these cases.
Here’s what we know so far about the recent increase of shigellosis in Maine and what to do if you get sick!
A cluster of seven shigellosis cases have been identified among Cumberland, Kennebec, and Androscoggin County residents. This cluster is part of an increase in reported cases involving this pathogen. As of November 19, 2025 there have been 22 cases this year.
To put that into perspective. Over the past five years, the median number of shigellosis cases have only been 11. This year’s cases have already doubled that statistic, and there are still days left on the calendar.
Reports indicate that this cluster of cases experienced symptom onset dates between September and November.
At least three of these cases have genetic isolates that are similar (an indication of a common infection origin). There are also indicators of antimicrobial resistance.
While many of those infected persons reported male to male sexual contact, shigellosis can spread beyond that risk factor by other means. Including foodborne illness and sick food worker contamination.
In addition to the increased frequency observed this year of shigellosis in Maine, healthcare providers have also noted a marked increase in the number of “extensively drug resistant” Shigella infections.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 5% of Shigella infections met that criteria. Making them difficult to treat. While 5% may not sound significant, in 2015 0% were extensively drug resistant.
This is a growing problem.
Shigella bacteria are easily transmitted from person to person through many different direct and indirect means. It doesn’t take much to make someone sick.
According to Health Advisory, the “infectious dose” amounts to as few as 10 to 100 microscopic organisms. Even trace amounts that you cannot detect by sight, smell, or taste can be enough to make spread the illness and make someone sick.
Shigellosis is caused by a bacterium called Shigella. It is spread through infected feces. From something as simple as an infected person who does not properly wash their hands after using the bathroom and preparing food for others or touching common surfaces where others can pick up the bacteria on their hands and then eat. To more direct routes, like sexual contact.
Shigella bacteria can also be found in natural waters like lakes and ponds.
To make matters worse, people with shigellosis can continue to spread their infection, long after their own symptoms end. In fact, infected people can shed the bacteria several weeks after they feel better.
Shigella infections may cause a variety of symptoms. However, diarrheal illness is the most commonly reported.
Common symptoms include:
Symptoms usually begin a day or two after consuming something contaminated with Shigella bacteria and usually resolve within a week.
Most people do not need antibiotic treatment to recover. However, some people may experience complications that can result in hospitalization, serious illness, or even death.
Those with a weakened immune system should call their doctor right away if they begin experiencing symptoms consistent with Shigella infection, as they are more likely to experience severe or prolonged symptoms and severe complications.
Anyone with serious symptoms should call their doctor or seek urgent care right away.
Seek medical are if you have:
In some cases, Shigella infections can lead to lasting effects. For some, it may take weeks (or even months) before bowel habits return to normal.
Other complications may include:
If you or a family member has been impacted by shigellosis in Maine, there are a few tips to help you through it.
Proper hand washing is the key to preventing the spread of shigellosis. Use warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom and before eating or drinking.
If available, use a separate bathroom from other household members. If this is not an option, be sure to clean and disinfect the bathroom after each use, if possible.
While you are sick (and even a little while afterward), do not prepare food for others. Especially if you work in a food business. In fact, most health departments have rules in place prohibiting people with shigellosis and other potentially foodborne illnesses from working while they are sick and rules for when they are allowed to return to work.
When swimming in a public pool or in a place where others may also swim, you can easily spread the harmful bacteria to others. It only takes microscopic amounts of bacteria to become sick. It is better to wait for a few weeks after your symptoms subside before taking that risk.
You may be asked about the foods you consumed in the week prior to becoming sick. As soon as you feel well enough to do so, write down the foods you consumed, where you got them, and any information you can remember. The faster you get this information down on paper, the more accurate they are likely to be.
If you have recently become sick with shigellosis in Maine, you may be part of an ongoing outbreak. It is a good idea to get advice from a Shigella Outbreak Lawyer.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help! Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
There is an uptick in illnesses related to raw milk in Idaho. So much so,…
Initial infant botulism symptoms are often overlooked and attributed to normal baby behaviors. With an…
King County Public Health recently closed the investigation on a Campylobacter outbreak at Stripe’s Office.…
Yesterday, two popular Boar’s Head cheese and chicken Caesar salad products have been recalled due…
King County Public Health has officially closed the investigation for norovirus at Seastar Restaurant &…
Can you get a UTI from turkey? Scientists say it is more common than you…