Shigella Sonnei Information

Shigella Sonnei is a bacteria that is highly infectious. After entry into the body by means of unhygienic faeco-oral contact via infected food or water the following symptoms may be experienced:

• Acute watery diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain
• Tenesmus
• Malaise
• Fever

Stool samples should be taken and investigations made into the root cause of the infection. 

This disease is a notifiable disease in the UK

General practitioners in England and Wales have "a statutory duty to notify a 'proper officer' of the Local Authority of suspected cases of certain infectious diseases";usually the consultant in communicable disease control (CCDC).

The GP should fill out a notification certificate immediately on diagnosis without waiting for laboratory confirmation - and ensure it gets to the officer within 3 days.