SPOKANE, Wash. – A Shigella outbreak was confirmed in both Spokane and Kootenai Counties, primarily affecting homeless people, according to the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD).
57 cases of shigellosis, a diarrheal illness, were confirmed in Spokane as of Dec. 12. The Panhandle Health District (PHD) confirmed four cases in Kootenai County. In a press release, they say the infection is affecting homeless people in those areas.
Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal infection caused by shigella bacteria that spreads easily from one person to another, according to SRHD and PHD.
“We are seeing community-wide transmission among those experiencing homelessness,” said Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez. “At the end of the day, if we’re mindful of hygiene and sanitization, then we can prevent the spread of communicable diseases.”
Anyone can get shigellosis, but SRHD and PHD say the following groups are at higher risk for infection:
People who are experiencing homelessnessGay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with menPeople who have recently traveled internationallyChildren younger than five years oldThose with weakened immune systems
SRHD and PHD urge food services, restaurants and other meal sites to emphasize the importance of hand washing and sanitization in their daily procedures.
“To support organizations who are most affected by the current outbreak, SRHD has taken the following actions:
Provided guidance and in-person training to homeless shelters, service providers and meal sites on how to improve handwashing and sanitization to prevent further spread.Communicated with health care partners and emergency responders, providing awareness via regular updates, a county-wide Provider Alert, and a provider-focused web page.Provided homeless shelters with additional supplies of hand sanitizer, body wipes and personal undergarmentsEducated food establishments (including grocery stores) and the Food Coalition on safe food handling, hand hygiene and sanitation practices.”
For more information on shigellosis, visit the CDC website.
