AHS investigating Shigella outbreak in Edmonton
Posted November 14, 2022 3:11 pm.
Alberta Health Services is continuing to investigate an outbreak of Shigella in Edmonton.
AHS says cases of the bacterial infection seem to be limited to inner-city residents in the provincial capital.
Since Aug. 17, when it is believed the first person in the province became infected, 163 cases have been confirmed by AHS. Out of those, 111 have ended up in hospital.
“The majority of the cases to date are within the city’s inner-city population, so the risk to the general public remains low,” ASH confirmed in a statement to CityNews.
“However, we would like to remind people that proper hand hygiene helps to prevent the spread of many illnesses, including Shigella. Anyone with questions or concerns about their health is encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or call Health Link at 811.”
According to the CDC, Shigella or Shigellosis is a bacterial infection similar to E. coli. Symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. They usually begin a day or two after a person is infected.
-With files from Carly Robinson
