Dysentery is a contagious infection that causes diarrhea and can be spread through poor hygiene and contaminated food. There are two types: bacillary and amoebic, with symptoms including severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Treatment includes fluids and antibiotics, and prevention involves good hygiene and avoiding unsafe water.
Dysentery is an infection that usually causes diarrhea. The infection is often transmitted through improper hygiene and one of its most common causes is not washing hands after using public toilets. It spreads from person to person and it is very common for an individual to pass it on to other family members. From there, it can be passed on to many people in the general public. The infection can last and spread for about four weeks.
It is also possible to spread dysentery through contaminated food. Poor countries that have inadequate sanitation systems can be riddled with this disease, as the water systems in these countries can include the microbes that cause the infection. This is why people are advised not to drink the water or take ice in drinks at certain places.
There are two main types of dysentery: bacillary and amoebic. Of the two, bacillary is the more common and involves bacteria of the genus Shigella entering through the mouth and multiplying in the intestines. Symptoms are usually mild and disappear within a few days to a week. The main symptom of bacillary infection is usually severe diarrhea, which may be watery and sometimes contain blood or pus. There may also be vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.
Amoebic dysentery can remain in the body system for months, and sometimes even years, without symptoms. This type of infection can be transmitted when an infected person goes to the bathroom and does not wash their hands thoroughly afterwards. Poor hygiene standards contribute to the transmission of infection from the toilet to other people. The symptoms of this disease are similar to those of the bacillary variety, although there may be more blood in the stool and defecation can be painful. This is because the infection attacks the large intestine and causes it to bleed.
This disease usually clears up on its own over time. In some cases, medical professionals give the patient fluids if the diarrhea and vomiting are severe. Lost minerals and salts also need to be replaced, so hospital treatment may be required in severe cases. If the bacterial type does not clear up, a doctor may give antibiotics.
Antibiotics may also be given to prevent other people from getting infected. It is very important for people who travel to countries where there are questions about water safety to pay attention to their hygiene. Drinking only bottled water can reduce your risk of infection.
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