Sexually transmitted diarrhea is on the rise in the US, and is growing drug-resistant: How can one prevent the disease?

A gut related bacteria that causes diarrhea and vomiting is rising across the United States. Studies also show that the pathogen may be morphing into a drug-resistant disease. The disease is turning into a sexually transmitted infection, making it difficult to treat.

The Shigella bacteria infect about 450,000 people in the US each year. Historically, the infection mostly spread through contaminated food or water and even among children in daycare. Over the turn of a century, the bacteria have emerged as a sexually transmitted infection as well.

The bacteria cause diarrhea with blood or mucus, stomach pain, cramps, fever and vomiting. The infection can also lead to dysentery.


A study by the CDC, researching Shigella isolates from 2011 to 2023 saw an 8.5% rise in infections that were drug resistant. The vast majority of these drug-resistant versions infected adult men, many of whom had not traveled internationally in recent months.

Hospital workers at the University of California are now seeing roughly one case of extensively drug-resistent Shigella a month, according to molecular biologist Shangxin Yang. They reported just one such case all year in 2022.

Cambridge researchers found that drug-resistant strains of the infection were spreading 71% faster than drug-susceptible strains. The study also found that more than 70% of sexually transmitted strains were resistant to at least one clinical anti-biotic.

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Sexual transmission of the disease in on the rise

The population seeing the fastest rise in the shigella infections are gay and bisexual men and other men who are sexually active with men. According to experts the disease is endemic to these communities, making it constant and seen more often.

A study in July 2026 showed that the disease’s sexual transmission grew 15% faster year over year between 2015 and 2020. This was compared to the spread of disease through travel, food or outbreaks in children during the same period.

Several people do not realise that the infection can spread through sexual transmission. According to experts this lack of awareness may also be behind the rise in infection.

A similar rise in sexual transmission of shigella was seen in the UK as well. According to a study, over a period of about 2.5 years the sexually transmitted strains spread an average of 117 kilometers between cases. However, the non-sexually transmitted strains spread 46 kilometers in comparison.

How can one prevent sexually transmitted Shigella?

Individuals can take several precautions to reduce the risk of the sexually transmitted infection. These include avoiding sexual activity during any illnesses, especially diarrhea. One should also wait for at least two weeks after fully recovering before resuming sexual activity.

Informing medical providers about any possible exposure to the disease if related symptoms can help in proper care and treatment. One should undergo appropriate testing and sexual health screening if there is a chance of exposure.

Individuals should perform safe and hygienic practices after any kind of sexual activity. These include washing hands and genitals. Safer practices like using barriers during sexual activity can also prevent the spread of any infections.