Shigellosis Outbreak Spreading in Spokane, Washington, USA

The Spokane Regional Health District reports that the outbreak of infections with shigella bacteria now appears to be spreading beyond the homeless population where it began. Initially, there were 59 cases in Spokane County. The total number has since increased to 138 infected people. The disease appears to be spreading to a much larger population.

Advice

The Shigella bacteria may cause severe diarrhea that is often bloody and can lead to serious complications for children and adults, such as fever, stomach pain, nausea, and sepsis (infections of the blood stream). The bacterium is usually transmitted by exposure to infected faeces. This can occur via contaminated food, water, or hands or sexual contact. When the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, treatment may be difficult. There is no vaccine.

The risk of exposure for the average traveller is probably low, provided the traveller exercises caution and follows strict water and food precautions, including safe sexual practices, while travelling. Food and water contaminated with human waste from infected persons is a common source for these bacteria.