EDMONTON: In a statement Thursday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) reports it and the City continue to work closely with inner city shelters, partners and the provincial government on a response to the ongoing Shigella outbreak in Edmonton Zone.
To date, 173 people have been identified with Shigella and 115 of those people required hospitalization. This outbreak is primarily affecting members of Edmonton’s inner-city population. The first person became ill on August 17, 2022 with a confirmed diagnosis on August 29, 2022. No deaths have been reported connected to this outbreak.
“We recognize the case numbers are concerning and we are doing everything we can to care for this vulnerable population, including coordinating additional resources and supports in the downtown area. Thankfully, we are starting to see a bend in the curve of case numbers,” said Dr. Michael Zakhary, AHS Edmonton Zone Medical Officer of Health.
Shigella is a disease commonly associated with diarrhea, as well as fever, nausea and stomach cramps. It can cause severe illness, resulting in hospitalization and it spreads when someone comes into contact with fecal matter from an infected person and also by eating food contaminated with the bacteria.
The task force has shared health guidance and mobilized additional hygiene resources including:
- Distribution of over 1,500 copies of an AHS outbreak information handout
- Creation and distribution of 500 personal care kits
- The City of Edmonton has expanded the operation of temporary mobile washrooms. Two of the seven locations will include showers, one will include laundry facilities.
- The City of Edmonton, downtown shelters and community agencies have expanded access to existing hygiene sites, including extending hours of operation.
- A team of care providers from multiple agencies carried out a coordinated effort to provide outreach care and testing across multiple encampments and other areas where people could be at risk of illness.
- Downtown shelters and agencies are assisting with requests for and distribution of clean clothes donations.
“The number of Edmontonians experiencing homelessness doubled during the pandemic,” said Christel Kjenner, the City of Edmonton’s Director of Affordable Housing and Homelessness. “Existing agencies are struggling to keep up with the demand for services for unsheltered community members. We are working closely with AHS and our community partners to limit the spread of this illness.”
Although the risk to the general public remains low, AHS says proper hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of many illnesses, including Shigella.
Anyone experiencing symptoms that might be related to Shigella or anyone with questions or concerns about their health is encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or call Health Link at 811.
Anyone who wishes to help or donate is encouraged to visit https://www.hiregood.ca/ or call 780-426-0500 and inquire about current needs.
