Shigella infection: Hidden danger in contaminated food and water

Shigellosis is highly contagious and is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person, the faecal-oral route, or through contaminated food, water or surfaces. [iStockphoto]

A three-day bout of stomach pain and diarrhoea is often dismissed as a simple stomach bug. However, if symptoms become severe and you notice blood in your stool, it's important to seek medical attention.

This could be a sign of shigella infection, also known as shigellosis, a bacterial disease that affects the gastrointestinal system and causes stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.