Louisiana health officials monitor drug-resistant Shigellosis

Health officials from the Louisiana Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are monitoring an increase in Shigellosis, a highly contagious infection caused by Shigella bacteria. Medical professionals have noted that certain strains are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to significant resistance to current medical protocols, leading some to describe the infection as a “superbug.”

The CDC estimates there are currently over 200,000 cases nationwide, with approximately half of those cases involving the drug-resistant strain. While case rates in Louisiana currently remain below the national average, the state has already confirmed more cases in 2026 than were reported throughout the entirety of 2025.

Shigellosis is frequently spread through sexual contact. Common symptoms include severe diarrhea and gastric pain, typically appearing within one to two days of infection and lasting for a week or less.