Shigellosis, poisoning caused by Shigella bacteria, is principally a disease of humans and primates such as monkeys and chimpanzees. The organism is frequently found in water polluted with human feces. Shigella cells must be swallowed to cause the disease. They may be spread when people neglect to wash their hands with soap and water after using the restroom or changing a diaper. People who get Shigella on their hands can infect themselves by eating, smoking, or otherwise directly or indirectly touching their mouths. They can also contaminate anything they touch, spreading the bacteria and potentially making others sick. In rare cases, swimming water in pools, ponds, and lakes can also spread Shigella if not properly treated. Such contamination may originate from sewage leaks or infected swimmers.

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