NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The County of San Diego has announced the ongoing outbreak of shigella now stands at 46 confirmed and five probable cases, with slowing cases up one from a week ago and a total of three since the 41 confirmed and seven probable cases reported in the Dec. 3 update.

Image/CDC

The County Public Health shigella website includes an epidemiological curve showing declining case numbers in recent weeks.

The cases are among individuals experiencing homelessness, with the majority at multiple locations in central San Diego and two cases in North County.

No source of the outbreak has currently been identified.

Shigella is a contagious infection typically spread by contaminated surfaces, food or water, or person to person. Those at increased risk include young children (especially those in daycare), people who are experiencing homelessness, travelers to locations with poor sanitation and men who have sex with men.

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Typical symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever and stomach cramps. While most people will recover fully without antibiotic treatment, some individuals with poor immune systems can develop life-threatening disease and may need further treatment.