The UK Health Security Agency has warned of a rise in Shigella cases, a gut infection that causes diarrhoea, stomach cramps and fever.

The rise of cases has been seen mainly in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).

Since the beginning of 2023, the number of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella cases has increased by 53 per cent.

The increase has been driven by a cluster of extensively-antibiotic resistant Shigella sonnei, of which there have been 97 cases in 2023 (up to and including November), compared to just 4 cases last year.

This strain does not respond to to the antibiotics typically used to treat Shigella.

In January 2022, there was a similar rise in cases of extensively antibiotic-resistant Shigella sonnei infections caused by another outbreak strain.

Cases of Shigella have been rising since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in July 2021, with annual cases now higher than the average before the pandemic.

Dr Gauri Godbole, Consultant Medical Microbiologist at UKHSA, said: "This is a concerning rise in cases of this antibiotic resistant strain, meaning treatment can be very difficult. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your partners is to practice good hygiene after sex. Avoid oral sex immediately after anal sex, and change condoms between anal or oral sex and wash your hands with soap after sexual contact.

"It’s important that gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) do not dismiss their symptoms and speak to their GP or sexual health clinic, mentioning Shigella, if they are unwell.

"GBMSM with Shigella may have been exposed to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, so a sexual health screen at a clinic or ordering tests online is recommended."

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