By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

Officials with Public Health – Seattle & King County are reporting an increase in shigellosis cases since mid-December in King County.

shigellosis
Image/CDC

Since the end of October, Public Health has received 40 total reports of Shigella infection, with 22 of those reported since December 14th. This compares to an average of 2-3 cases reported during a typical week this year. Public Health has had 173 reported cases of Shigella in 2019 and 129 cases in 2020 from preliminary data.

Among the recent infections, 28 cases occurred among people who reported experiencing homelessness or unstable housing or who accessed homeless services. These cases have occurred across multiple settings and no common source among the cases has been identified.

“Outbreaks of Shigella among people living homeless are often a reflection of the lack of access to medical care, basic hygiene and sanitation resources,” said Elysia Gonzales, Medical Epidemiologist, Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Shigella is highly contagious. It’s important that anyone with symptoms of Shigella contact a healthcare provider for potential testing and treatment to help decrease the spread of preventable illnesses among our most vulnerable residents.”

Shigella bacteria spread easily from one person to another because it takes as few as 10 germs to make you sick. Symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people get better after about one week but can be sick longer or become dehydrated and need medical care. People can also be contagious even after feeling better. The germs can spread when someone with Shigella does not wash their hands well after using the toilet then contaminates objects, food or water. Shigella also spreads easily through sexual contact. Handwashing with soap and water is the best way to protect yourself and others against Shigella infections.