Shigellosis is caused by the bacteria Shigella.  It is transmitted via fecal-oral, eating contaminated foods, and drinking or swimming in contaminated waters.  Sypmtoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.  They usually show up one to two days after being exposed to the bacteria.  Treatment for the illness is antibiotics and the illness normally lasts for five to seven days. 

To prevent an infection you should wash your hands and not drink or swim in contaminated waters.  Each year about 18,000 cases occur in the U.S.  This bacteria would be an effective bio-terror weapon since it is easily transmitted between people.