A renewed warning is coming from Multnomah County about an outbreak of a contagious infection spreading through the Portland-metro area. Shigella, an intestinal infection that can spread easily from one person to another, has been causing concern for health officials. The infection, which spreads through fecal matter, has presented a challenge for doctors and has resulted in hospitalizations.
Union Gospel Mission has reported three people showing symptoms consistent with shigella after staying at a shelter hosted by a local church in Southeast Portland. One individual had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance, indicating the severity of the situation. The outbreak has become a significant issue in the region, with at least 45 reported cases in Washington Co., Clackamas Co., and Multnomah Counties in December.
Bobby Artale, who suffered from shigella, described the experience as excruciating, lasting two weeks with uncontrollable diarrhea. His harrowing account serves as a reminder of the severity of the infection and the importance of taking preventative measures. According to Artale, shigella spreads rapidly, likening it to wildfire.
The Multnomah County Health Department has identified two communities, the houseless and same-sex male couples, as most at risk. Teresa Everson, Multnomah County deputy health officer, highlighted that current disease patterns suggest fecal-oral spread through sexual contact may account for a significant portion of cases without international travel.
Efforts to contain the spread of shigella have been challenging, particularly as antibiotics are becoming resistant. Sara McCall, from the health department, emphasized the difficulty in treating severe cases that require antibiotics to clear the infection.
The impact of the infection has been particularly significant for the houseless population, as access to restrooms can be challenging. Multnomah County Health has been providing hotel vouchers to aid in the recovery and prevention of shigella among the homeless. Additionally, county health leaders are urging the public to maintain frequent handwashing, echoing the preventive measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the community grapples with the resurgence of shigella, it is evident that concerted efforts are required to mitigate the spread of the infection. The harrowing experiences of individuals like Bobby Artale serve as a stark reminder of the urgency in addressing this public health concern.
