Warning for UK tourists going to Spain as drug-resistant bug surges in Europe hotspots
dailyrecord.co.ukBritish travellers are being warned to be cautious while on holiday over a potentially deadly stomach bug that is spreading in European destinations.Cases of shigella sonnei infection, which experts say has become resistant to multiple drugs, has been emerging in clusters in tourist hotspots in Spain, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
Also known as shigellosis, its main symptoms include a fever, severe diarrhoea, stomach pain and can easily spread from one person to another.In Spain, 60 people have been reported with the disease and anyone heading to affected areas should ensure they are washing their hands properly and frequently, as it can spread from people with poor hygiene.The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has documented 300 cases of shigellosis since April this year.
As the Mirror reports, the ECDC said: "All strains in these seven clusters show resistance to first and second-line antibiotics".The bug can also spread through oral and anal sex, as well as through consuming contaminated food and drink.
Here's what you should know before you jet off this summer.You can become infected from shigellosis if you:Take the following steps to avoid passing the illness on to others: Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
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