The ECDC reported on an increase in multi-drug resistant Shigella sonnei infections, with at least 120 cases and one death among residents of several regions since July. The agency also outlined details on S. sonnei cases with resistance markers identified in travellers returning from Tunisia (but also Egypt, Pakistan, Afghanistan among others) from the Czech Republic, France, the Netherlands and Norway. It concluded that the ‘genetic variation of S. sonnei strains from returning travellers in the EU/EEA indicate multiple sources of infection and circulation of different strains in Tunisia’ and more cases ‘are likely to be detected’. Read more
Advice for travellers
Caused by Shigella bacteria, shigellosis can result in diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after exposure, which is usually through contaminated food. Persons with mild infections usually recover quickly, but antibiotic treatment is recommended for patients with more severe symptoms. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.