Shigella outbreak among gay men in Sydney

Gay men in Sydney are being advised to take precautions following an outbreak in the gay community of the gut infection shigella. This follows a similar outbreak in Victoria and cases have now been reported in Queensland.

ACON, the leading health promotion agency for NSW’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, is working with NSW Health to ensure that gay men are aware of the outbreak and how they can help to prevent its further spread.

ACON CEO Stevie Clayton says shigella is a bacteria that causes a bowel infection.

“Symptoms include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever and nausea,” she says. “The infection can appear any time between 12 hours and four days after exposure to the bacteria and generally lasts between four and seven days. People with HIV are more likely to have severe symptoms which may result in a prolonged illness and even hospitalisation.”

Ms Clayton says shigella is a very infectious bacteria which is transmitted through faeces.

“Infection takes place when tiny particles of contaminated faeces enter the mouth. This can happen through sexual contact such as rimming, by getting infected faeces on your fingers and then touching your mouth or by putting contaminated objects like food, pens and cigarettes into your mouth.”

Ms Clayton says the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting shigella is to wash hands thoroughly after any sexual activity, after touching equipment like used condoms and sex toys, after going to the toilet or before handling food.

“It also helps to be aware of the ways that tiny particles of faeces can enter the mouth. These include biting your nails, lighting up a cigarette, eating unwrapped lollies, nuts, fruit or other food and sharing cups, bottles, cutlery, plates or other household equipment.

“We also recommend that gay men use a dental dam for rimming when having sex with casual partners and use gloves for fisting and fingering.”

Ms Clayton says gay men who have any symptoms of shigella should see their doctor.

“They should also avoid sex while they have symptoms and for at least seven days after the symptoms clear.”

(Source: AIDS Council of New South Wales: October 2008)