Shigellosis, 2009

During 2009, 79 culture-confirmed cases of Shigella infection (1.5 per 100,000 population) were reported (Figure 2). This represents a 75% decrease from the 311 cases reported in 2008, and a 67% decrease from the median number of cases reported annually from 1999 to 2008 (median, 238 cases; range, 68 to 904). In 2009, S. sonnei accounted for 46 (58%) cases, S. flexneri for 27 (34%), S. boydii for 4 (5%), and S. dysenteriae for 2 (3%). Cases ranged in age from 1 to 96 years (median, 16 years). Forty-six percent of cases were ≤10 years of age; children ≤5 years of age accounted for 30% of cases. Eighteen (23%) cases were hospitalized. Seventy-five percent of cases resided in the metropolitan area, including 33% in Hennepin County and 21% in Ramsey County. No outbreaks of shigellosis were identified in 2009.

Every twentieth Shigella isolate received at MDH is tested for antimicrobial resistance. Three isolates were tested in 2009; 100% were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 33% were resistant to ampicillin, and 33% were resistant to both ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. All isolates tested were susceptible to ceftriaxone.

• For up to date information see>> Shigellosis (Shigella)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2009