Shigella infections rise in England amid antibiotic resistance concerns

Health experts in England are warning of an increase in Shigella infections, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact. According to a report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the number of diagnosed cases transmitted sexually in England rose from 2,052 in 2023 to 2,560 in 2025.

Unlike many sexually transmitted infections that present with sores or unusual discharge, Shigella primarily attacks the intestines, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and inflammation of the lower colon. These symptoms are often mistaken for common stomach viruses or food poisoning.

A growing concern is the emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to multiple antibiotics, making treatment increasingly difficult for medical professionals. Health services recommend that infected individuals avoid sexual contact for at least seven days after their last symptoms have disappeared. Maintaining thorough hygiene and using condoms are advised to reduce transmission risks.