Clackamas County Commissioner Ben West and Oregon gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan have expressed their concerns about the worsening crisis in Portland, Oregon. The city is currently grappling with a highly infectious illness known as Shigella, which primarily spreads through fecal matter and poses a significant threat to its large homeless population. Health officials have reported a surge in Shigella cases, with 227 documented cases in the Portland metro area alone in 2023. This represents a 131% increase compared to the previous year.
Shigella is a bacteria that can cause severe symptoms such as bloody and prolonged diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, and a constant urge to pass stool even when the bowels are empty. It can be transmitted through various means, including sexual activity, drinking contaminated water, changing diapers, or caring for someone infected with the illness.
The data provided by Multnomah County shows that the majority of Shigella cases have been among the homeless population in Portland. Health leaders have identified sexual activity as the primary mode of transmission. Although many cases have been reported in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood, there is no clear geographic pattern, indicating that the illness is not limited to a specific area of the city.
The Portland Police Bureau’s bike squad has urged people to take extra precautions and maintain good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of Shigella. County health officials have emphasized that the general public should not be alarmed unless they belong to specific demographic groups at higher risk, such as homeless individuals, gay and bisexual men, international travelers, parents, and sexually active people.
The outbreak highlights the ongoing homelessness crisis in Portland, which has led to increased concerns about crime and drug use in the city. According to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Oregon has the second-highest percentage of unsheltered homeless people in the country. The lack of access to hygiene facilities and poor health conditions among the homeless population contribute to the increased risk of infectious diseases like Shigella.
Multnomah County health officials are leading the investigation into the outbreak, with support from the Oregon Health Authority. The county is providing temporary housing at hotels and motels for infected homeless individuals to ensure they receive proper care and minimize the spread of the illness. Quarantine or isolation is not mandatory, and individuals have the option to decline temporary housing.
Efforts are underway to monitor the situation closely and communicate preventive measures to the public and high-risk individuals. Handwashing, access to hygiene facilities, and increased support for the homeless population are crucial in combating the spread of Shigella in Portland.
In conclusion, the worsening Shigella outbreak in Portland poses a significant threat to the city’s homeless population. Health officials are working to address the crisis and provide necessary support to infected individuals. The outbreak sheds light on the broader homelessness issue in Portland and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing healthcare and hygiene facilities.
