Sexually transmitted diarrhoea is on the rise and it's 'close to untreatable'
Health experts are warning about the rise of drug-resistant Shigella bacteria, which can cause severe diarrhea and is increasingly transmitted through sexual contact. The infection is becoming harder to treat, prompting calls for increased awareness and precautions.
Why it matters
The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens poses a significant public health threat and requires updated medical guidance and public awareness.
There are things you can do to lower your risk of getting it
An infection that can cause bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps is increasingly being spread through sex.
Experts have advised people to take extra precautions before 'doing the nasty', as otherwise they might be at risk of shigella bacteria, which can cause dysentery.
It's transmitted when infected poo particles get into the mouth, either by contaminated food, sex or contact with someone who hasn't washed their hands properly.
A study in July showed that the spread of the disease through sex grew 15 percent faster year-over-year between 2015 and 2020 compared to spread through travel, food, or nursery outbreaks.
To make matters worse, there are multiple variants of the bacteria, with some 'quickly becoming resistant to drugs '.
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