WHO has published the "Guidelines for the control of shigellosis, including epidemics due to Shigella dysenteriae type 1". Among the major changes are the recommendations that fluoroquinolones should be used as the first-line treatment for all patients of all age groups with bloody diarrhoea, who should also receive zinc supplementation. The new recommendation is based on the widespread resistance of Shigella to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole and nalidixic acid, which are no longer recommended. Where susceptibility data are available, these should guide the choice of the antibiotic. More information and the electronic copy of the Guidelines can be found on the CAH/HQ website.