Cases of a highly contagious bowel infection are on the rise in Victoria, health bosses say.
The infection, called shigellosis, is becoming resistant to antibiotics.
It is a bowel infection characterised by an acute onset of diarrhoea, fever, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
It can cause severe illness and complications in young children, older people and those who are immunocompromised.
Symptoms usually develop one to three days after exposure but can happen as early as 12 hours and as late as one week afterwards, in some cases.
Read Related Also: Raid of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin’s home turned up sledgehammers allegedly used to kill traitors
“Many cases are occurring among men who have had recent sexual contact with other men,” Victoria Health said.
“It is also being seen among returned travellers.”
Victorians are being advised to take precautions.
They include washing your hands often and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food, and practising safe sex.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
