Alberta Health Services has counted 163 people sick with the bacteria, up from 87 on Oct. 19. The majority – 111 people – have been treated, AHS told CTV News Edmonton in a Monday update. “The majority of cases to date are within the city’s population, so the risk to the general public remains low. However, we would like to remind people that proper hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of many diseases, including Shigella.” , AHS said in a statement. The agency said the phrase “inner city” refers to a “combination of circumstances for people, including but not limited to Edmonton’s vulnerable and homeless population.” The Alberta NDP called on the government to take immediate action, including training frontline workers to recognize symptoms, providing isolation space and providing more hand sanitizing and washing stations for the homeless. AHS has formed a task force with the City of Edmonton, local shelters and Alberta Community and Social Services to stop the outbreak. AHS did not provide an update on the team’s work Monday. The first case in the Edmonton area was confirmed on August 17. Shigella bacteria can cause serious illness and symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, fever and diarrhea. It is spread through contact with the feces of an infected person or by eating food contaminated with the bacteria.
