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Shigellosis outbreak hits Calgary's homeless population
Radio-Canada
Posted yesterday at 12:09 PM CST
An outbreak of shigellosis, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, is affecting the homeless population of Calgary, Alberta.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has identified 63 people who have contracted the disease since the outbreak was declared on June 5.
Of these, 16 people had to be hospitalized due to the disease, and 12 others tested positive after their stay in hospital for other medical reasons. No deaths have been reported.
A highly contagious disease
The bacteria can be spread through fecal-oral transmission. Thus, the disease is easily spread when an infected person does not wash their hands properly after using the toilet.
Shigellosis can also be contracted by eating contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces.
"Even in very small amounts, the bacteria can cause illness in other people. That's why we're so concerned about it. The bacteria spreads very easily and there is a risk of serious illness."
- A quote fromDavid Klassen, Alberta Health Services
Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, often with blood, as well as abdominal cramps, fever and vomiting.
Although most people recover on their own, serious complications can occur, including severe dehydration and blood infections.
The homeless population at risk
Transmission can be difficult to control in unsanitary or co-habitating conditions.
Health officials are working to stop transmission in shelters and encampments for homeless people.
David Klassen explains that this disease spreads more easily among the homeless population. Members of this population often need to gather in larger groups to meet their basic needs, such as food and shelter , he notes.
He adds that environmental public health inspectors are working with shelters to control the spread through more frequent inspections.
AHS provides advice on symptom screening, referral to testing, and improved disinfection. It also works with organizations that support people living in encampments.
In Edmonton, the spread continues
Shigellosis is also present in Edmonton, where 294 hospitalizations have been recorded since the outbreak began in 2022.
Recently, a new outbreak was declared in the Maskwacis area.AHSand Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) have not reported the number of people infected during this outbreak.
"In recent years, outbreaks of shigellosis have increased in North America."
- A quote fromLynora Saxinger, infectious disease specialist, University of Alberta
Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta, says the failure to control the outbreak in Edmonton doesn't bode well for the situation in Calgary.
To prevent another long-term outbreak, the situation that caused the problem - the dangerous and unhygienic conditions in which people at risk live - must change.
With information from Jennifer Lee
Shigellosis outbreak hits Calgary's homeless population
Radio-Canada
Posted yesterday at 12:09 PM CST
An outbreak of shigellosis, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness, is affecting the homeless population of Calgary, Alberta.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has identified 63 people who have contracted the disease since the outbreak was declared on June 5.
Of these, 16 people had to be hospitalized due to the disease, and 12 others tested positive after their stay in hospital for other medical reasons. No deaths have been reported.
A highly contagious disease
The bacteria can be spread through fecal-oral transmission. Thus, the disease is easily spread when an infected person does not wash their hands properly after using the toilet.
Shigellosis can also be contracted by eating contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces.
"Even in very small amounts, the bacteria can cause illness in other people. That's why we're so concerned about it. The bacteria spreads very easily and there is a risk of serious illness."
- A quote fromDavid Klassen, Alberta Health Services
Symptoms of the disease include diarrhea, often with blood, as well as abdominal cramps, fever and vomiting.
Although most people recover on their own, serious complications can occur, including severe dehydration and blood infections.
The homeless population at risk
Transmission can be difficult to control in unsanitary or co-habitating conditions.
Health officials are working to stop transmission in shelters and encampments for homeless people.
David Klassen explains that this disease spreads more easily among the homeless population. Members of this population often need to gather in larger groups to meet their basic needs, such as food and shelter , he notes.
He adds that environmental public health inspectors are working with shelters to control the spread through more frequent inspections.
AHS provides advice on symptom screening, referral to testing, and improved disinfection. It also works with organizations that support people living in encampments.
In Edmonton, the spread continues
Shigellosis is also present in Edmonton, where 294 hospitalizations have been recorded since the outbreak began in 2022.
Recently, a new outbreak was declared in the Maskwacis area.AHSand Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) have not reported the number of people infected during this outbreak.
"In recent years, outbreaks of shigellosis have increased in North America."
- A quote fromLynora Saxinger, infectious disease specialist, University of Alberta
Lynora Saxinger, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta, says the failure to control the outbreak in Edmonton doesn't bode well for the situation in Calgary.
To prevent another long-term outbreak, the situation that caused the problem - the dangerous and unhygienic conditions in which people at risk live - must change.
With information from Jennifer Lee
