Reno Nevada Reports Shigellosis Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected an increase in extensively drug-resistant Shigella infections in the United States over the past few years.

As of January 11, 2025, the U.S. CDC confirmed 296 Shigellosis cases have already been reported in 2025, led by New York (53) and Florida (42).

Last year, the CDC confirmed 20,621 Shigella cases nationwide, led by California (4,365) and New York (2,990).

In Northern Nevada, the Public Health (NNPH) agency identified a Shigellosis outbreak in Reno / Washoe County after a reported influx of new cases and hospitalizations. About 14 cases and nine hospitalizations were reported, although the number of cases is expected to be much higher.

However, there is a low risk of transmission to the general public in 2025.

Shigellosis is an intestinal infection that causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Shigellosis can be spread by coming into contact with the poop of an infected person, eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or through sexual contact.

According to the CDC, Shigellosis can be challenging to treat, and prevention is critical to reducing the spread of the infection.

As of January 18, 2025, the U.S. FDA has not approved a preventive vaccine. However, a tetravalent bioconjugate vaccine candidate has progressed into phase 2 clinical research.