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Travelers bring drug-resistant 'superbug' to US
By Skyler Cooper
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A highly contagious stomach bug common in other parts of the world has recently created a disturbing number of outbreaks in the United States.
Shigella is a bacteria which causes shigellosis. The bug causes intestinal illness, including abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. While most otherwise healthy people recover in about seven days, NPR reports that in the 243 cases reported over the last year in the U.S., about 20 percent of those infected were hospitalized.
The new strain is proving to be resistant to antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, the most common drug prescribed to treat the infection.
The CDC says travelers who have been to places like India, the Dominican Republic and Morocco have brought shigella back with them, and now it is spreading to Americans who have not traveled.
Massachusetts, California and Pennsylvania have experienced the worst outbreaks.
Health experts recommend being vigilant in hygiene practices when traveling abroad, and only consume safe food and beverages. It is also recommended that people with mild symptoms use over-the-counter medications instead of antibiotics.
