CDC Issues Warning to Montana About New Drug-Resistant Infection

As if we needed something else to worry about, now there's a superbug going around that's sending people to the bathroom... literally.

Thankfully, this doesn't appear to be anything fatal. Rather, it creates more of an inconvenience than anything.

CDC Issues Warning About "Drug-Resistant" Infection

According to a recent release from the CDC, "U.S. cases of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Shigella infections are increasing."

And yup, you read that right. It's a drug-resistant infection because according to the CDC, there is "no Food and Drug Administration–approved oral treatment" available.

The CDC says these cases are on the rise in Montana and across the United States.

But, what is Shigella and how bad is it?

ALSO READ: How Much Does It Cost to Raise a Kid in Montana?

According to the CDC, symptoms of a Shigella infection include "diarrhea that can be bloody or prolonged (lasting more than 3 days)", fever, stomach pain, and getting the urge to pop a squat when there's nothing in the tank if you know what I mean.

Basically, you're in for a bad time.

How Do You Get Shigella Infection?

While anyone can catch the infection, the CDC says children under the age of five have the highest risk of catching the infection.

As for catching it, there a variety of ways to get infected. People can unknowingly get germs with Shigella on their hands by changing the diaper of a sick child, caring for a sick person, and coming into contact with infected surfaces.

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You can also ingest Shigella by consuming raw foods, fruits and veggies that were grown in fields with poop contaminated with the germ and even swallowing lake or river water.

How Do You Cure Shigella?

Thankfully, Shigella doesn't require antibiotics and people tend to feel better after five to seven days. Just don't use anti-diarrheal medicines and make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of fluids like water and electrolytes.