Health Department Manager Practice Exam

Shigella is a genus of bacteria that is specifically known for causing gastrointestinal illness following the consumption of contaminated water. The pathogens from this group, such as Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri, can lead to shigellosis, which is characterized by symptoms including diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and abdominal cramps.

The transmission route primarily involves fecal contamination of drinking water or food, making it critical to manage water quality and sanitation especially in areas with inadequate hygiene practices. Recognizing the specific associations of different pathogens with waterborne illnesses is important for health risk assessments and implementing preventive measures.

While other bacteria, like Salmonella and E. Coli, can also cause illness related to water contamination, Shigella is particularly noted for its association with outbreaks linked to untreated water sources. Norovirus, although a significant cause of gastroenteritis, is a virus rather than a bacterium and typically spreads through contaminated food rather than exclusively via water.