How can Shigella infections be prevented?

• A. Washing our hands
• B. Vaccination
• C. Boiling water before drinking
• D. Using antibiotics regularly

Answer: (A)

Shigella spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route, so interrupting that transmission with good hand hygiene is the most effective, practical prevention. Washing hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before touching food or eating removes the germs from hands, preventing them from entering the mouth or contaminating food and surfaces.

There isn’t a routine vaccine for Shigella, so vaccination isn’t a prevention option. Boiling water can reduce risk when drinking contaminated water, but it doesn’t address all routes of transmission (like foods that are handled by an infected person). Regularly taking antibiotics is not a preventative strategy and can promote resistance; they’re used to treat infection under medical supervision.