Shigella Lawyer

What is Shigellosis?

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Humans are the only natural host for Shigella (Giannella, 2010). Although less common than infection with Salmonella or Campylobacter, Shigella infection is still a significant cause of foodborne disease in the United States (Taege, 2010). In fact, Shigella causes between 10 and 20% of cases of bacterial foodborne illness every year in the United States (Taege, 2010).

Presently, an estimated 165 million cases of shigellosis occur annually across the globe (Kumar, 2009). In countries where Shigella is endemic, the bacteria is responsible for about 10% of all cases of pediatric diarrheal disease, and up to 75% of diarrheal deaths (Kumar, 2009).

Understanding the Shigella species

Shigella is the name of a family of bacteria that can cause diarrhea in humans. Shigella are microscopic living creatures that pass from person to person. They were discovered in 1906 by a Japanese scientist who conclusively demonstrated that a bacterium was present in the stool of many dysentery patients (DuPont, 2010; CDC, 2009). The bacteria is named after the scientist, who was named Shiga (CDC, 2009).

Shigella was first isolated during the Japanese red diarrhea epidemic of 1897 (Kumar, 2009). Since then, shigellosis has become virtually synonymous with bacterial dysentery (Adachi et al., 2007). Today, we know of four species, or groups, of the Shigella bacteria:

• A – Associated with Shigella dysenteriae;
• B – Associated with Shigella flexneri;
• C – Associated with Shigella boydii, and
• D – Associated with Shigella sonnei (Adachi et al., 2007).

Group A Shigella, or Shigella dysenteriae, is comprised of 10 serotypes (Giannella, 2010). One of those serotypes, S. dysenteriae 1 (Shiga bacillus), can cause epidemics of dysentery and is most common in developing countries (CDC, 2009; Adachi et al., 2007). Epidemics of S. dysenteriae type 1 have occurred in Central America and Africa, and have been associated with case fatality rates of 5-15% (CDC, 2009). For example, an outbreak that occurred in Central America in the late 1960s and early 1970s was associated with the deaths of over 10,000 individuals, most of whom were young children (Giannella, 2010). In recent years, this organism has continued to cause outbreaks in many developing countries (Giannella, 2010). The mortality rate in cases where S. dysenteriae type 1 is left untreated is as high as 25% in developing countries (Adachi et al., 2007). However, the mortality rate drops to less than one percent with adequate microbial therapy (Adachi et al., 2007).

Group B Shigella, or Shigella flexneri, contains bacteria with 14 distinct serotypes (Giannella, 2010). Between 1926 and 1938, S. flexneri became more prevalent than Group A Shigella in the developing world (DuPont, 2009). It remains the major type of Shigella in those areas today (DuPont, 2010). S. flexneri is responsible for almost all cases of non-Group D of shigellosis in the United States (CDC, 2009).

There are 18 different serotypes present in Group C Shigella, or Shigella boydii (Giannella, 2010). Shigella boydii is seen mostly in the Indian subcontinent (Lima and Guerrant, 2010).

Group D Shigella, or Shigella sonnei, has only one serotype (Giannella, 2010). Of the four groups of Shigella, the serotype in this group produces the mildest illness (Giannella, 2010). Infection with S. sonnei generally causes high-volume watery diarrhea with relatively few other systemic signs (Craig and Zich, 2009). S. sonnei has become the major cause of bacillary dysentery in the United States and Europe (DuPont, 2010), and is responsible for 72% of shigellosis cases in the US (CDC, 2009).

How do Shigella bacteria cause infection?

The major attack site for the Shigella bacteria is the colon (Giannella, 2010). In essence, the bacteria use specific mechanisms to penetrate the surface of the colon (Giannella, 2010). Once inside the epithelial cells, the organisms multiply (Giannella, 2010). The infection spreads by cell-to-cell transfer of the bacilli (Giannella, 2010). However, the bacteria rarely penetrate beyond the intestinal mucosa, and generally do not invade the bloodstream (Giannella, 2010). However, bacteremia (which occurs when bacteria do invade the bloodstream) can occur in malnourished children and immunocompromised individuals who ingest the bacteria (Giannella, 2010).

What are the symptoms of shigellosis?

The majority of individuals infected with Shigella develop stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever 24 to 48 hours (one to two days) after they ingest the bacteria (Craig and Zich, 2010; CDC, 2009). The incubation period may, however, be as long as four days in rare cases (Kumar, 2009). Often, the diarrhea is bloody (CDC, 2009). Illness typically resolves in five to seven days (CDC, 2009).

Other possible symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, tenesmus (a feeling of incomplete evacuation), bloody stools, and nausea. Fever occurs in over 57% of cases (Craig and Zich, 2010). At least 75% of people infected with Shigella bacteria experience abdominal pain, and tenesmus occurs in somewhere between 55 and 96% of infections (Craig and Zich, 2010). Somewhere between 46 and 73% of infected

A significant number of infected individuals, when not treated with antibiotics, will continue to shed Shigella bacteria in their stool for two or more weeks (Craig and Zich, 2010).

Dysentery

A period of watery diarrhea that lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days typically precedes the development of a true case of dysentery (Craig and Zich, 2010). Patients with dysentery have both grossly bloody diarrhea (diarrhea with blood visible to the naked eye) and tenesmus (Craig and Zich, 2010). Constitutional symptoms – such as headache, myalgias, vomiting, fever, and nausea – are also present (Craig and Zich, 2010). When symptoms are severe enough, the infected individual may become profoundly dehydrated, and circulatory collapse may occur (Craig and Zich, 2010).

How can Shigella infections be diagnosed?

Many different kinds of germs can cause diarrhea, so establishing the cause help to guide treatment (CDC, 2009). Determining that Shigella is the cause of the illness depends on laboratory tests that identify Shigella in the stools of an infected person (CDC, 2009; Ashkenazi and Cleary, 2008). Prompt testing is critical. Stool culture results from samples obtained during the first three days of illness are positive in more than 90% of cases (Craig and Zich, 2010). On the other hand, cultures obtained more than one week after the onset of diarrhea test positive in only 75% of cases (Craig and Zich, 2010). The laboratory can also do special tests to determine which antibiotics if any, would be best to treat the infection (CDC, 2009).

How can Shigella infections be treated?

Treatment of shigellosis generally involves the correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalances (Craig and Zich, 2010). Fluid losses generally can be replaced by oral intake because diarrhea that is associated with bacillary dysentery is not normally associated with profound fluid and electrolyte depletion (DuPont, 2010). However, when vomiting or extreme toxemia occurs, particularly in the very young or very old, intravenous fluid replacement may be appropriate and necessary (DuPont, 2010).

Persons with mild infections usually recover quickly without antibiotic treatment. However, the appropriate antibiotic treatment kills Shigella bacteria and may shorten the illness by a few days (CDC, 2009). Antibiotic treatment often eradicates Shigella from the stool, often within 48 hours (Craig and Zich, 2010). The antibiotics commonly used for treatment are ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (also known as Bactrim or Septra), ceftriaxone (Rocephin), or, among adults, ciprofloxacin (Cipro) (CDC, 2009). In cases where antibiotics are appropriate, antibiotic treatment is generally required for only three days (Craig and Zich, 2010). However, in immunocompromised patients, antibiotic treatment is often extended to 7-10 days (Craig and Zich, 2010).

Am I at risk of shigellosis?

Some groups of people are at increased risk of shigellosis, including:

• Children, particularly those in daycare centers;
• Family members and playmates of infected children;
• Persons in custodial institutions (e.g. prisons, mental institutions, etc.);
• Orthodox Jews;
• International travelers;
• AIDS-positive individuals; and
• Persons living on Native American Indian Reservations.

(Craig and Zich, 2010; CDC, 2009).

Children under the age of 5 accounts for approximately 30% of Shigella infections (Craig and Zich, 2010). Shigellosis is particularly likely to occur among toddlers who are not fully toilet-trained. Over the past few years, several outbreaks of multidrug-resistant Shigella infection have been reported in daycare centers located in the United States (Pigott, 2008). In these cases, the transmission was thought to be a result of inadequate handwashing and hygiene practices (Pigott, 2008).

How common is shigellosis?

In 2005, a total of 10,484 cases of shigellosis were documented in the United States (Craig and Zich, 2010). This represents approximately 3.5 cases per every 100,000 individuals living in the country (Craig and Zich, 2010). There are generally about 14,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of shigellosis in the United States and 20-50,000 in the United Kingdom annually (CDC, 2009; DuPont, 2010). However, because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be twenty times greater. In fact, the CDC estimates that there are actually approximately 450,000 cases of shigellosis in the United States annually (CDC, 2009).

In recent years, there have been shifts in the prevalence of specific serotypes and the incidence of dysentery (Giannella, 2010). In the tropics, S. flexneri is the most common Shigella serotype, and dysentery occurs mostly in the late summer (Giannella, 2010). Flies are thought to be important in the transmission of bacillary dysentery, particularly in the tropics, and scientific studies have shown that flies can occasionally be shown to test positive for Shigella bacteria (DuPont, 2010). This theory is supported in part by the fact that dysentery in warm countries is most prevalent at the same time that the fly population reaches its peak (DuPont, 2009).

Additionally, epidemics of bacillary dysentery are cyclic; each cycle lasts between 20 and 50 years (DuPont, 2010). For example, in Europe during the first 25 years of the 20th century, dysentery was generally caused by S. dysenteriae 1 (DuPont, 2010). Between 1926 and 1938, S. flexneri strains became more prevalent than S. dysenteriae 1 in the developing world and remain the major type of Shigella bacteria present in still-developing countries (DuPont, 2010). Today, S. sonnei has become the major cause of bacillary dysentery in both the United States and Europe (DuPont, 2010).

In the developing world, shigellosis is far more common and is present in most communities most of the time.

How can a person prevent contracting shigellosis?

To prevent the spread of shigellosis, individuals should:

• Wash hands with soap carefully and frequently, especially after going to the bathroom, after changing diapers, and before preparing foods or beverages;
• Dispose of soiled diapers properly;
• Disinfect diaper changing areas after using them;
• Keep children with diarrhea out of childcare settings;
• Supervise hand washing of toddlers and small children after they use the toilet;
• not prepare food for others while ill with diarrhea;
• Properly chlorinate pools and water supplies; and
• Avoid swallowing water from ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

(DuPont, 2010; CDC, 2009)

Shigella Food Poisoning Lawyers

Shigella is a bacteria found everywhere. It causes shigellosis. Every year, Shigellosis impacts more than 4,50,000 people. The symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps. Sometimes, these symptoms may be so severe that the patient needs to be admitted in hospital.

What is a Shigella Lawyer?

A Shigella lawyer is a specialist who files cases against food manufacturers, restaurant owners, and other commercial food suppliers. If you get exposed to Shigellosis from a pathogenic outbreak in fast-food or restaurant, you are entitled to compensation.

The Shigella is transmitted by contaminated food and/or water. The infection can also get transmitted by person-to-person contact. It takes four to seven days to get the symptoms resolved. The antibiotics can shorten the course of illness and reduce the symptoms.

What does a Shigella Attorney Do?

The shigella lawyers file lawsuits on behalf of the victims. These cases need experienced legal representation. A shigella attorney collaborate with the medical experts, public health experts and other experts to build a case.

The shigella attorney file lawsuits on behalf of the victims against the people that have been negligent. The victims seek financial compensation and put pressure on the officials to remove the contaminated food from the store shelves and restaurants.

Why Should You Hire a Shigella Attorney?

According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4,50,000 cases of shigellosis get reported every year. Tens of thousands of Americans need urgent medical attention to get rid of the symptoms.

The shigella lawyer can help the victims recover the cost of medical treatment, lost wages and other issue related to the illness. They can also take legal action to remove the defective products from the restaurants and stores and prevent the possible outbreak by pressurizing the corporations to impose strict guidelines to ensure food safety.

What Does a Shigella Lawyer Cost?

Shigella lawyers usually works on contingency basis. This type of payment agreement is contingent on the case and the lawyer’s ability to win the case for you. Contingency agreements need to pay your lawyer a percentage from your claim.

What Should You Look for In a Shigella Attorney?

Consider hiring a shigella attorney after checking some of the traits including the total experience of the attorney, fees, track record and reputation. The level of communication and focus is also crucial to win the case for you.

A trustworthy, skilled and expert attorney with who you feel relaxed with is decisive for the outcomes you need.

The Best Shigella Lawyers Should Have the Following Qualities:

• Successful track record and reputation for legal services.
• Experience working on shigellosis cases. The more experience they have, the better chance you will win your case.
• Fees for services must be reasonable and attainable; make sure there are no hidden costs.
• Offers free consultations to discuss your situation.

Types of Claims Shigella Lawyers Handle

Some of the cases that shigella lawyers handle are product liability, personal injury, negligence, wrongful death, or class action suits.

• Product liability claims are when a person is injured or becomes ill due to using a product. Examples include food poisoning from contaminated food, using products with defective ingredients that cause illness, etc.
• Personal injury claims are when an individual or group of individuals are wrongfully harmed by another party through carelessness or neglect. The other party could be negligent, reckless, or careless in their actions.
• Negligence claims are when a person or company is negligent, which means they fail to act in a reasonable manner. If someone is injured, it could be due to this negligence.
• Wrongful death claims are when a person dies as the result of another’s negligent actions. The family members who survive them become entitled to financial assistance from those responsible.
• A class-action suit is filed by many different people against the same defendant for the same underlying cause of action.

The option to settle out of court is always available to you. This takes place when you are offered a settlement by the insurance company for your injuries. A settlement is when you are given an agreed-upon amount of money, in exchange for releasing the defendant from all liability and waiving your future rights to sue them.

What expenses can legal compensation cover?

There are a number of expenses that a victim can take on when suffering from shigella. A good lawyer can help you obtain compensation for these expenses.

Types of compensation that can be obtained include:

• Recovering medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.
• Punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer for their negligence.
• Pain and suffering – The pain endured by you as a result of your injury.
• Emotional distress – The fear and trauma you experienced as a result of your injury.
• Wrongful death – Loss of companionship and loss of income for those left behind due to the death of their loved ones.

When should you file a Shigella claim?

As soon as possible. The statute of limitations, which varies by state, is important to keep in mind when filing a shigella claim. The statute of limitations sets a strict time limit for filing your case. Therefore, you should not wait too long to file an injury claim with a shigella attorney. In most states, it is two years from the date of injury or within one year from the discovery of an illness resulting from shigella exposure.

What Should You Do If You Suspect Shigella Poisoning?

If you suspect that you or someone you know is a victim of shigella poisoning, you should seek medical care immediately. Additionally, it is important to preserve the evidence for handling your claim later. This includes keeping any leftovers of the food you suspect caused your illness, taking photos of the food and your symptoms, and contacting a shigella attorney immediately.

National Shigella Law Firm

If you are looking to connect with an experienced Shigella Attorney. Use our online form here. A qualified food poisoning attorney will contact you to discuss the details of your case.