Shigellosis, 2004

During 2004, 68 culture-confirmed cases of Shigella infection (1.4 per 100,000 population) were reported (Figure 1). This represents a 34% decrease from the 103 cases reported in 2003, and a 73% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 1999 to 2003 (median, 254 cases; range, 103 to 904).

In 2004, S. sonnei accounted for 41 (60%) cases, S. flexneri for 22 (32%), S. boydii for four (6%), and S. dysenteriae for one (1%). Case-patients ranged in age from 1 to 75 years (median, 24 years). Thirty-two percent of case-patients were less than 10 years of age; children less than 5 years of age accounted for 21% of cases. Seventeen (25%) case-patients were hospitalized. Sixty-nine percent of case-patients resided in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, with 41% of all case-patients residing in Hennepin County.

In 2004, S. sonnei accounted for 41 (60%) cases, S. flexneri for 22 (32%), S. boydii for four (6%), and S. dysenteriae for one (1%). Case-patients ranged in age from 1 to 75 years (median, 24 years). Thirty-two percent of case-patients were less than 10 years of age; children less than 5 years of age accounted for 21% of cases. Seventeen (25%) case-patients were hospitalized. Sixty-nine percent of case-patients resided in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, with 41% of all case-patients residing in Hennepin County.

Every tenth Shigella isolate received at MDH was tested for antimicrobial resistance. Twelve isolates were tested in 2004; 66% were resistant to ampicillin, 50% were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and 42% 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, 2004