Shigellosis conversation is dominated by STI headlines, prompting questions and stigma
Online reactions to a reported pneumonic plague death show how even low-level disease threats can revive pandemic fears, especially in the absence of confirmed public information.
Articles framing shigellosis as a sexually transmitted infection prompted questions about how it spreads and who can get sick.
The practical takeaway
Use the attention around STI-focused coverage to identify and fill gaps in public information about shigellosis transmission, prevention, and treatment.
What's happening
In April, the CDC published a report highlighting cases of antibiotic-resistant shigellosis—an intestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria—particularly among adult men. The report drew renewed attention in early October, when an article called shigellosis “sexually transmitted diarrhea” in its headline. Similar news coverage followed, and online conversation picked up.
Commenters asked what shigellosis is, how it’s treated, and how to know if you’re sick with shigellosis versus another intestinal infection, like cyclosporiasis. The vast majority of conversation focused on how the infection spreads. After articles noted that sex between men is a transmission route, some commenters falsely claimed that heterosexual people and people who are not sexually active cannot contract the infection. This is a key time for communicators to address misconceptions about shigellosis and help people assess their risk.
Questions people are asking
- What is shigellosis?
- How is it diagnosed and treated?
- How does shigellosis spread, and who is most at risk?
What you can do
Public-facing messaging: Make transmission and prevention information clear and inclusive. Review existing materials to ensure they explain shigellosis that can spread through sexual contact and other routes and that anyone can get sick. Make prevention steps, symptoms, and guidance on when to seek care easy to find.
Internal readiness: Prepare to address misconceptions about shigellosis. Spokespeople and health care partners should be ready to explain that anyone can get shigellosis while noting groups at higher risk, including young children in childcare settings and travelers to certain countries.
FAQs + web: Assess whether additional content on intestinal infections is needed. The summer conversation about cyclosporiasis and new questions about shigellosis may point to a need for clearer, easy-to-find information. Review existing resources first; if they leave gaps, consider a dedicated page covering each infection, along with general information about symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
Learn more about the Infodemiology Initiative’s monitoring methods.