Shigellosis, 2010

During 2010, 66 culture-confirmed cases of Shigella infection (1.3 per 100,000 population) were reported. This represents a 16% decrease from the 79 cases reported in 2009, a 71% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 2000 to 2009 (median, 230 cases; range, 66 to 904) and the lowest incidence and number of cases identified in the state since active laboratory surveillance was initiated in 1996 (Figure 2). In 2010, S. sonnei accounted for 47 (71%) cases, S. flexneri for 13 (20%) and S. dysenteriae for 4 (6%). Cases ranged in age from 1 to 70 years (median, 31 years). Thirty-nine percent of cases were 25 to 45 years of age. Twenty-six percent of cases were <10 years of age; children ≤5 years of age accounted for 17% of cases. Nine (14%) cases were hospitalized. Of the 56 cases for which travel information was available, 18 (32%) travelled internationally in the week prior to illness onset. Sixty-five percent of cases resided in the metropolitan area, including 44% in Hennepin County and 9% in Ramsey County. No outbreaks of shigellosis were identified in 2010.

Every tenth Shigella isolate received at MDH is tested for antimicrobial resistance. Six isolates were tested in 2010; 17% were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 33% were resistant to ampicillin, and none were resistant to both ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

• For up to date information see>> Shigellosis (Shigella)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2010