PORTLAND, OREGON – The city of Portland, Oregon is facing a rise in cases of the highly contagious bacteria known as Shigella, and the spread is being attributed to the homeless population in and around downtown. Public health officials are concerned that this surge in cases could lead to a public health emergency. In 2023, at least 218 cases of shigellosis were reported in the Portland metro area, with 45 cases in December alone. The majority of these cases occurred in Old Town, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The spread of Shigella is being linked to lack of access to proper hygiene facilities, particularly for the homeless population. Multnomah County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Teresa Everson emphasized the higher risk of infectious diseases faced by the unhoused community members due to their poorer health conditions. In response to the surge in cases, the county is offering infected homeless individuals free motel rooms to isolate in and mitigate the spread of the bacteria.
According to Dr. Everson, the infections primarily seem to be spreading through sexual contact, but the general public living and working in Old Town is being advised to be extra vigilant in maintaining personal hygiene. Symptoms of Shigella infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting, lasting anywhere from three to 10 days, and can be treated with antibiotics.
The increase in Shigella cases among the homeless population has raised concerns about the lack of access to basic facilities, such as bathrooms and handwashing sinks, contributing to the spread of infectious diseases. This situation has prompted discussions about the city’s policies on homelessness, with many attributing the crisis to permissive left-wing policies that have allowed homelessness to escalate in Portland. The failure to effectively address the issue of homelessness has put both the unhoused population and the wider community at risk of public health crises.
The surge in Shigella cases among the homeless population in Portland is reflective of a broader issue of inadequate support and resources for vulnerable communities. The situation also serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing homelessness as a public health concern in addition to a social and economic issue. The current crisis in Portland underscores the need for comprehensive and effective solutions to support homeless individuals and safeguard public health in the city.
In conclusion, Portland, Oregon is dealing with a surge in cases of the highly contagious bacteria Shigella, predominantly among the homeless population. The spread of the bacteria has raised concerns about public health and the lack of access to basic hygiene facilities for vulnerable communities. The situation highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address homelessness as a public health concern and to prevent further escalation of infectious diseases in the city.