BRITS were today warned about a spike in cases of a superbug spread through sex.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) bosses said cases of “highly contagious” Shigella sonnei have soared 25 per cent in England in just two years.
The gut infection can cause diarrhoea, stomach cramps and a fever. Some patients will need to be hospitalised.
Official data shows 2,560 cases of the infection were reported in 2025.
By comparison, 2,318 were logged in 2024, with 2,052 in 2022.
The rocketing rates are a reminder of the importance of testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), health chiefs cautioned.
Sexually transmitted Shigella predominantly affects gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, they added.
Every region in England has recorded at least one of Shigella case.
But cases were concentrated in London (54 per cent), the North Thames Valley (six per cent) and Surrey and Sussex (six per cent).
Antibiotic treatments are recommended among those with severe symptoms including prolonged diarrhoea, those requiring hospital admission or people with underlying immunodeficiency.
But 2025, also marked the highest annual toll for antibiotic-resistant Shigella cases on record, figures show.
Of all the samples tested, 86 per cent of the strain Shigella sonnei and 94 per cent of the strain Shigella flexneri showed resistance to antibiotics.
More than half of Shigella sonnei cases were extensively drug-resistant.
Dr Katy Sinka, head of the STI section at UKHSA, said: “The rise in sexually transmitted Shigella cases is concerning, but the risk can be reduced through good hygiene during and after sex, and by using condoms — helping to protect both yourself and your partners.
“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 advised men with Shigella to get tested for other STIs, including HIV, as they may have been exposed to other infections.
Infected people should stay hydrated, rest and not have sex until a week after their last symptoms, Dr Sinka said.
They should also avoid all spas, swimming, hot tubs and sharing towels, and avoid preparing food for other people until a week after symptoms stop.
The infection is caused by bacteria found in faeces, which is usually spread through sex involving anal contact.
But it can also be transmitted through unwashed hands, if infected people contaminate surfaces for others to touch, or if someone eats food contaminated with the bacteria.
But is not just sexually transmitted cases of Shigella that officials are worried about.
The highly contagious stomach bug can also be spread via food.
Spillover of the virus in food handlers and carers, have previously triggered outbreaks across the globe by continuing to work when unwell.
Symptoms usually start within four days of being exposed to the infection, but are commonly mistaken for food poisoning.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that a Shigella outbreak in Cape Verde had killed several Britons and infected hundreds more.
Led by UKHSA, investigators found that of the 118 Shigella cases reported since October 1 and linked to international travel, some 112 (95 per cent) of those people had been to Cape Verde.
The majority had visited the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas.
