A potentially life-threatening diarrhoea-causing infection that can be transmitted through s3xual contact is on the rise in the United Kingdom, prompting health experts to raise awareness about its symptoms and prevention.
The illness, caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, is primarily spread through oral-anal s3xual contact and can lead to amoebic dysentery. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea and bloody stools, although some infected individuals may not experience any symptoms.
Medical experts warn that if left untreated, the parasite can spread beyond the intestines to organs such as the liver, lungs and brain, potentially leading to serious complications and, in rare cases, death.
Health professionals have linked the recent rise in infections to s3xual transmission, particularly among men who have s3x with men, and are advising anyone who develops persistent diarrhoea or related symptoms after s3xual contact to seek prompt medical attention.
Doctors say the infection can be effectively treated with antiparasitic medication when diagnosed early. They also recommend practising good hygiene, using barrier protection during s3xual activity, and avoiding s3xual contact while experiencing symptoms to help reduce the risk of transmission.
