What is Shigella: How can you catch it on holiday? What holiday countries are at risk?

British couple John and Susan Cooper died within hours of each other at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic hotel in Hurghada, Egypt, last week. 

The cause of the Burnley couple’s death has not been confirmed with investigations ongoing. 

A mother and daughter from the north west, who were evacuated from the same hotel after the deaths were announced, have contracted Shigella, according to the Daily Telegraph. 

The infection is a type of bacteria similar to E. coli that causes shigellosis, a condition affects the intestines and digestive system.

Symptoms may take a couple of days to appear but people usually get diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and a fever. 

Some people who have been contaminated may also see blood or mucus in their diarrhoea too. 

How can you catch it on holiday? 

The infection is spread either by swallowing contaminated water, eating contaminated food or touching your mouth with hand that have come in contact with the bacteria.

In order to avoid contamination, you should avoid drinking water from lakes or ponds.

You should also throw dirty nappies away properly and wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet. 

What holiday countries are at risk? 

There are around 80 to 165 million cases of Shigella worldwide each year, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Some countries in the European Union which have reported cases include Bulgaria, Slovakia, Sweden and France. 

Shigellosis is one of the major causes of diarrhoea in India, as well as South Africa. 

At least 600,000 people are said to die on an annual basis due to the infection. 

People who live or travel in developing countries, which lack sanitation, are more likely to catch Shigella.

However, outbreaks of the disease can occur in any country, including the UK, with children under five being most at risk of infection. 

People can still catch it any age, including those with a weak immune system. 

The illness is usually treated with antibiotics or mild cases can even clear up on their own within a week.