Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by a group of bacteria called shigella. There are three ways you can spread Shigellosis. The first was that Shigella is often spread through is contaminated hands touching your mouth or food. Another way you can get sick from Shigellosis is from drinking from a lake, stream or unfiltered swimming pool. The final way Shigellosis is spread is through infected feces.