Shigella

Shigella flexneri is an intestinal bacterium responsible for severe diarrhea in people and non-human primates (monkeys). About 25,000 cases are reported in people in the United States every year.

Many monkeys carry this bacteria without symptoms. People are also common carriers. Small children at child care facilities and people who handle monkeys are most at risk.

The diarrhea produced in people exposed to human or monkey waste is never life threatening but during the two to three weeks the diarrhea lasts, the victim is quite ill. The chief danger from this disease is dehydration.