SPOKANE, Wash. — An infection-causing bacteria has been confirmed in both Spokane and Kootenai counties.
According to the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD), 57 cases of shigellosis have been confirmed in Spokane County. In Kootenai County, the Panhandle Health District (PHD) has confirmed four cases. Health officials don't know if the cases in Spokane and Kootenai counties are related.
Shigellosis is a gastrointestinal infection that can spread through "fecal-oral transmission," according to SRHD. The symptoms, which include diarrhea and stomach pain, typically start one to four days after a person was infected. SRHD said symptoms typically last seven days, but the bacteria can remain in your system for up to two weeks after symptoms go away.
Anyone can get shigellosis, but SRHD said the following groups are at higher risk for infection and sever illness:
- People experiencing homelessness
- Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men
- People who have travelled internationally
- Children younger than five years old
- People who have weakened immune systems
“We are seeing community-wide transmission among those experiencing homelessness,” SRHD Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez said. “At the end of the day, if we’re mindful of hygiene and sanitization, then we can prevent the spread of communicable diseases.”
SRHD recommends washing hands well and often, cleaning high-touch surfaces frequently and encouraging good hygiene habits to those around you.
“We will continue to monitor the situation in our area and are thankful for our partnerships with SRHD and the state,” said Jeff Weigel, epidemiologist program manager at PHD. “We have alerted local healthcare providers to be diligent with any patients presenting with shigellosis symptoms and to contact us immediately.”
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