Island Health has confirmed an outbreak of a highly contagious intestinal illness known as shigellosis among the unhoused community on South Island. This disease is caused by Shigella bacteria and can easily spread through contaminated feces, food, water, surfaces, and direct contact.
Understanding Shigellosis and Its Spread
Shigellosis is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Diarrhea, which may include blood and/or mucus
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- An urgent need to pass stool
The bacteria can be mitigated through proper hygiene practices, particularly hand washing. However, many in the homeless community lack adequate access to washing facilities, contributing to a concerning rise in cases. Currently, Island Health reports five probable cases, but officials indicate that the actual number may be higher due to underreporting of illnesses.
Current Situation in South Island
Nicole Mucci, a spokesperson for the Union Gospel Mission, noted that their outreach teams have encountered individuals seriously ill in various encampments. Many affected individuals are seeking assistance in municipalities offering more healthcare services.
Island Health is investigating potential connections between the current outbreak and a previous outbreak in September in the nearby Cowichan Valley.
Wider Context of Shigella Outbreaks
Outbreaks of shigellosis are not limited to the South Island. Reports indicate ongoing cases across British Columbia and in other provinces. In Toronto, there was an outbreak earlier this year. Edmonton has experienced recurring shigella outbreaks for several years, with Alberta Health Services reporting 447 identified cases since August 2022, involving 309 hospitalizations.
Mucci emphasized the severity of shigellosis, recalling a similar outbreak in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side (DTES) four years ago. “It can be actually deadly and very dangerous,” she remarked, highlighting the rapid transmission of the illness.
Growing Concerns Over Antibiotic Resistance
While symptoms often resolve within a week among healthy individuals, complications requiring antibiotics raise new concerns. Reports indicate that drug-resistant strains of shigella are increasingly prevalent, particularly in regions including Europe, Australia, and the U.S.
Dr. Aleksandra Stefanovic from the University of British Columbia expressed that cases have been documented in Seattle and occasionally in Vancouver. However, those strains are not yet widespread in the region.
Community Response and Future Measures
In response to the outbreak, the City of Victoria recently faced legal challenges concerning its responsibilities to provide washroom facilities for the homeless. Officials have deferred to Island Health for recommendations regarding any necessary actions following the outbreak.
Island Health confirmed that it is collaborating with the city and other partners to strengthen sanitation and hygiene measures to prevent similar health crises in the future.
Mucci insists that addressing these outbreaks requires broader systemic changes, underscoring that access to hygiene and sanitation services is essential for the health and safety of the unhoused community.
