Nevada: Shigella outbreak declared in Washoe County
Officials with the Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH), which serves Reno, Sparks and all of Washoe County, declared an outbreak of Shigellosis in late December due to an increase in reported cases with laboratory and epidemiological linkage associated with those experiencing homelessness.
Compared to previous years, 2024 has shown a surge in cases (27), including 24 cases in the last two quarters of the year.
Residents experiencing homelessness in Washoe County account for 71.4% of the cases.
Because persons experiencing symptoms must seek medical care to receive laboratory testing for diagnostic purposes, the number of cases in the community is expected to be higher than reported.
Shigellosis is caused by the bacterium Shigella. The primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route and typically occurs with the ingestion of contaminated food or water, contact with infected fecal matter, or sexual contact with a person who has shigellosis.
Risk of transmission can be increased for young children, international travelers, gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), people with weakened immune systems, and people experiencing homelessness.
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For those experiencing homelessness, risk is increased due to overcrowded living spaces, exposure to contaminated food and water, and limited or no access to hygiene or sanitization services.
NNPH is actively working to control the outbreak by trying to raise awareness about Shigellosis, its symptoms, and preventive measures, and partnering with agencies serving homeless populations to implement infection control measures and provide necessary resources.
Currently, the risk of Shigellosis transmission to the general public is considered low. However, NNPH urges everyone to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.