United States: The health agencies of Multnomah County have issued a warning about an additional outbreak, despite COVID-19, flu and RSV, of a contagious infection – Shigella.
According to the agencies, the infection has been spreading rapidly through the Portland metro area.
What is Shigella?
While answering this question, biology stated that shigella is an intestinal infection that can be transmitted from one infected person to another easily and quickly.
The common way of spreading is through fecal matter, according to health experts.
Spread of infection in the County!
Currently, the infection is a challenge for the local doctors of the region. According to the Union gospel mission, approximately three (3) people are showing symptoms similar to Shigella’s.
All patients have been sent to a local church in Southeast Portland, which has been converted into a health shelter. One of the three was taken to hospital by ambulance.
The health authorities have expressed that the disease is an issue as it is increasingly spreading across the region.
Painful experience of a local resident
While sharing the painful experience when he got infected with shigella, a local resident named Bobby Artale stated, “It lasted two weeks. It was uncontrollable diarrhea. Oh, it was horrible. It lasted two weeks,” according to KATU.com.
He furthermore expressed, “Shigella spreads like wildfire.” Artale added, “I had to be isolated and had to eat my food alone.”
While continuing the conversation with KATU.com, he stated, “Like, if you want to go take a shower or clean up, you got to go to one of the resource centers. The only thing I can do is take precautionary measures like I’m doing.”
Measures taken by Multnomah County Health Department
According to the Multnomah County deputy health officer – Teresa Everson, the health department has been implementing many measures for the patients who are testing positive for the infection. However, antibiotics have become resistant, making it difficult to stay ahead.
Everson stated, “Current disease patterns in Multnomah County suggest that fecal-oral spread through sexual contact may account for between half or two-thirds of all cases without international travel.”
In addition to this, the team member of the health department – Sara McCall, was quoted saying, “It does make it difficult to treat those severe cases that need antibiotics to clear the infection.”
The health authorities further expressed that the houseless people are prone to catching the infection because they don’t have easy access to restrooms. Further, the same-sex couples are also at risk.
The authorities have been issuing preventative measures as the number of cases has been increasing quickly. The official data revealed that as many as 45 cases of shigella have been reported in Washington Co., Clackamas Co., and Multnomah Counties.
The Health authorities of Multnomah County have taken a precautionary measure by providing hotel vouchers to help the homeless recover and prevent the spread of shigella.