Dysentery cases on the rise in Portland, health officials say

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (KPTV) – A new report by the Multnomah County Health Department shows dysentery is on the rise in the Portland metro area. It is highly contagious and spreading amongst people who are homeless.

The county says of this latest wave of cases, 56% were among people who are homeless. That is due to a lack of access to hygiene products.

Dysentery – also known as shigella – spreads very easily from person to person when someone gets fecal matter from an infected person into their mouth, even if it’s just a microscopic amount. That can happen by shaking hands with someone who has been infected, then touching your face or your mouth, or eating without washing your hands.

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The bacterial disease, which can cause cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, has been on the rise in Multnomah County since 2012. Forty cases of dysentery were reported in the county in January alone.

The health department says those who test positive are being offered short-term housing. They say the greater access to hygiene and sanitation can, of course, reduce the spread.

The report shows dysentery can also spread among those who use drugs.

According to the health department, this strain of dysentery is not as severe as another type of shigella. However, the strain that is circulating is resistant to several antibiotics.

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