Many other suspected cases have also been found among the homeless community in Santa Clara.
Three new cases of Shigella Bacterial infections have been reported in a homeless community in Santa Clara, California, bringing the total number to 15 after the outbreak was reported in June this year. According to health officials, numerous other suspected cases have also been found among the homeless community, whose members are advised to avoid drinking or bathing in a section of the Guadalupe River downstream of Highway 85, where several homeless encampments are located.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Office has also released guidance on infections. “There are 15 people who have tested positive Shigella “They have been associated with this outbreak investigation and 22 additional suspected cases have been identified in the county,” the Santa Clara Public Health Office said in a statement.
Shigella The infection, also called shigellosis, is a condition that affects the digestive system and causes severe stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. Doctors say it is spread by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, or even through sexual contact. If you swim in contaminated water, you can contract shigellosis by accidentally swallowing the water you are swimming in.
What is Shigella bacteria?
ShigellaShigella, also called bacillary dysentery, is highly contagious and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is responsible for about 450,000 infections in the United States each year. “Shigella is an extremely infectious disease,” said Dr. Monika Roy, deputy health director for the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health, at a news conference in June when the outbreak was first reported. “You only need a small amount of the organism to be able to cause illness, so it spreads easily.”
Outbreaks are common among homeless people
Shigella In the past, outbreaks have occurred in other US cities with large homeless populations. In Portland, more than 227 confirmed cases of the infection were reported in 2023. Forty-five of those cases occurred in December alone.
Who is affected by Shigella infection?
Experts say that although Shigella It can infect anyone and is most common in areas with poor sanitation or crowded places such as schools, daycare centers and nursing homes. Younger children are more likely to become infected because they often put their hands in their mouths.
Shigellosis affects more than 188 million people worldwide each year and causes about one million deaths. Experts say there are about 1.5 million cases a year in developed countries, with about 450,000 cases in the United States alone.
Signs and symptoms of Shigella
Some common signs and symptoms of shigellosis include:
- Severe diarrhea, which may be watery, bloody, and may even contain mucus or pus.
- Stomach cramps and unbearable pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- High fever
Doctors say that in many cases, people infected with the Shigella The bacteria does not cause symptoms, but it is still very contagious. The infection can be treated with rest and fluids to prevent dehydration. In more severe cases, doctors may also prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection.
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