Drug-resistant food poisoning is now in the US
A new bug sneaking into homes across the country and wreaking havoc on residents.
Shigella is causing major problems for people across the country because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shigella is a new multi-drug resistant strain of food poisoning.
The new strain packs the usual wallop of hellish symptoms like stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Researchers at the CDC narrowed down the source of the bug to travelers coming back to the US from India, the Dominican Republic and Morocco.
Doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic called ciprofloxacin, but this particular strain is resistant to the drug.
"If rates of resistance become this high, in more places, we'll have very few options left for treating Shigella with antibiotics by mouth," the epidemiologist who conducted the study told NPR. Doctors will then have to resort to IV antibiotics.
The CDC released recommendations for travelers in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report -- the most uplifting piece of literature ever.
Observe food, water, and hand-hygiene precautions while traveling;
Use over-the-counter medications like Pepto-Bismol or Immodium if they wish to treat mild or moderate travelers' diarrhea;
Reserve antimicrobial medications for severe cases of travelers' diarrhea;
Seek health care if they are experiencing diarrhea upon return to the United States or develop diarrhea shortly thereafter;
Remain vigilant regarding hygiene practices while ill
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