TL;DR
- Shigella cases in England rose to 2,560 in 2025.
- Gay and bisexual men are the most affected group.
- Antibiotic resistance in Shigella strains is increasing.
- Good hygiene and condom use can reduce risks.
- Sexual health screenings are recommended for those diagnosed.
Hold onto your hats, folks, because the UK is facing a Shigella crisis that’s hitting the gay and bi community particularly hard. In 2025, the number of Shigella diagnoses skyrocketed to a staggering 2,560 cases, a significant jump from the previous years. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning, and it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the rising antibiotic resistance that’s making this gut infection even more dangerous.
According to the latest UKHSA update, this increase is no fluke. The cases reported in 2023 and 2024 were 2,052 and 2,318 respectively, but 2025 has seen a surge that has health officials raising eyebrows and, quite frankly, alarm bells. The agency noted that the majority of these cases are found in men who have sex with men, which means it’s time for some serious conversations about sexual health and hygiene.
So, what exactly is Shigella? It’s a nasty little gut infection caused by bacteria lurking in feces, and it can be transmitted during sex, through direct contact, or even via unwashed hands. Symptoms can include diarrhea (sometimes with blood), stomach cramps, and fever – often mistaken for food poisoning. It’s not the kind of party you want to be invited to.
Dr. Katy Sinka, head of the STI section at UKHSA, expressed her concerns: “The rise in sexually transmitted Shigella cases is concerning, but the risks of catching it can be reduced by good hygiene during and after sex and condom use – helping to protect yourself and your partners.” Sounds like a solid plan, right? But there’s more to it than just washing your hands.
With antibiotic resistance on the rise, treatment is becoming trickier. The Gastrointestinal Data Warehouse reported that two strains of Shigella are showing particularly high resistance: a whopping 86% of Shigella sonnei samples and 94% of Shigella flexneri samples. This means that the usual treatments might not work as effectively as they used to, which is a real concern for public health.
Dr. Sinka also advised that anyone diagnosed with Shigella should take it seriously. Not only could they have been exposed to this infection, but they might also be at risk for other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. A sexual health screen is recommended, whether at a clinic or through online testing services.
For those dealing with Shigella, the advice is straightforward: rest, stay hydrated, and avoid sex for at least seven days after your last symptom. And for the love of all things fabulous, steer clear of swimming pools, hot tubs, and food prep while you’re recovering. It’s all about keeping yourself and others safe.
While this news is concerning, it’s not all doom and gloom. Wider sexual health messaging has highlighted positive trends, like the decline in new HIV diagnoses among gay and bi men in England. So, let’s keep the conversation going and prioritize our health. Remember, knowledge is power, and staying informed is the best way to protect yourself and your community.
https://twitter.com/share?text=https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/04/02/shigella-england-2025/