Sexually-transmitted gastro infection spreads though Victoria

Victoria's chief health officer Brett Sutton said the Shigella bacteria causes gastro symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever and nausea.

Many of the state's Shigellosis infections were found in returned travellers and in men who had recent sexual contact with other men.

Professor Sutton said some strains of the bacteria were becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatment.

Shigellosis causes a bowel infection and is mainly transmitted through the faecal-oral route, Professor Sutton said.

Bacteria can spread during sex, particularly oral and oro-anal sex, he said.

Symptoms of the infection could appear within 12 hours or up to seven days later.

And people with Shigellosis could remain infectious for up to four weeks after symptoms resolve, Professor Sutton said.

Good hygiene and using barrier protection, including condoms or dams, during sex can prevent the spread of the bacteria.

Professor Sutton recommends washing hands thoroughly after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food and while handling used condoms or sex toys.

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People experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms should avoid having sex, preparing food or drink for others, or providing personal care for others until 48 hours after symptoms resolve, he said.

The infection is diagnosed by a stool sample, Professor Sutton said.

Antibiotic treatment is necessary for some cases of severe infection but most Shigellosis is treated with fluids and rehydration drinks, he said.