Shigella outbreak hits Calgary shelters and encampments, sending 16 to hospital – CBC

63 cases have been identified in Calgary since start of outbreak

Jul 24, 2024

An outbreak of a highly infectious gastrointestinal illness is impacting Calgary’s homeless population and is responsible for more than a dozen hospitalizations so far.

Shigella infections can be severe, and health officials are working to curb transmission in shelters and encampments.

According to Alberta Health Services, 63 people have tested positive for shigella since the outbreak was declared on June 5.

There have been 28 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak, AHS said, including 16 people who required hospitalization as a direct result of the illness and 12 who tested positive while in hospital for other medical reasons. No deaths have been reported.

“The focus started off in shelter settings but we are now picking up more cases among people who are sleeping rough,” said Dr. David Klassen, a medical officer of health with Alberta Health Services in the Calgary zone.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/shigella-outbreak-calgary-shelters-encampments-1.7273007