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Sexually transmitted Shigella infections in England remain at high levels, with more than 2,500 cases reported in 2025, according to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
In research and analysis published on 26 March 2026, the UKHSA revealed that there were 2,560 diagnoses recorded in 2025, up from 2,318 in 2024 and 2,052 in 2023.
Shigella is a type of bacteria that causes an intestinal infection called shigellosis, causing symptoms that can be mistaken for food poisoning, such as cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is not traditionally classified as a sexually transmitted disease but it can be passed on during sexual activity, with the data showing that cases of the infection predominantly affect gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM).
In addition to rising case numbers, the UKHSA highlighted increasing levels of antimicrobial resistance.
In 2025, 86% of Shigella sonnei samples and 94% of Shigella flexneri samples tested were resistant to antibiotics, while more than half of S. sonnei cases were classified as extensively drug-resistant, limiting treatment options for more severe infections, the data show.
While most infections resolve without antibiotics, treatment may be required in severe cases, which raises concerns about the impact of resistance on clinical management.
Iain Reeves, an HIV consultant and spokesperson for the British HIV Association, told The Pharmaceutical Journal: “Surveillance data and previous outbreaks have shown that Shigella is circulating among GBMSM. It may be more serious in people with severe immune compromise, and there are concerns about widespread antibiotic resistance, as with many other enteric bacteria.
“Antibiotic treatment is therefore generally reserved for people with severe disease, or people whose immune system is compromised. This may include people with HIV who have a low CD4 count or a detectable viral load.
“The key to control is as mentioned in the UKHSA briefing — good hygiene using simple measures, such as soap and water, avoiding sex and spas, hot tubs and other shared facilities, when there are symptoms and for seven days after recovery.”
Katy Sinka, head of the sexually transmitted diseases section at UKHSA, said the increase in cases was “concerning” but added that risks can be reduced through good hygiene practices and condom use.
“It is important that gay and bisexual men do not dismiss their symptoms and advice on self-care and preventing dehydration can be found on the NHS website by searching dysentery,” she said.
“Those diagnosed with Shigella may also have been exposed to other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, so a sexual health screen — at a clinic or by ordering tests online — is recommended.”
The UKHSA figures were published alongside wider surveillance data, which show that there is still growing concern about antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, despite a slight fall in the number of gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses between July–September 2025.
Craig Langton, sexual health programme manager for LGBT Foundation, commented: “Recent increases in sexually transmitted Shigella cases highlight the importance of ongoing health promotion, raising awareness, looking out for one another, and staying up to date with signs and symptoms.
“We encourage pharmacy teams and frontline healthcare staff to stay alert to these symptoms, understand how Shigella can be transmitted, asking the right questions and feel confident signposting people to sexual health services when appropriate.”
Separately, public health authorities are monitoring an ongoing outbreak linked to travel to Cabo Verde in Africa. Since 2022, more than 1,000 confirmed and possible cases of Shigellosis and other gastrointestinal infections have been reported in travellers returning to Europe, the UK and the United States.
