Bacterial outbreak declared among underhoused community in Toronto [Video]

A highly contagious and drug-resistant bacterial illness has sickened several members of Toronto’s underhoused community, says the city’s health unit.

On Wednesday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) confirmed to CP24.com that it declared an outbreak of Shigellosis on Dec. 6.

Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Howard Shapiro said they are aware of nine cases of the intestinal disease among people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the city.

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“The number of cases among this vulnerable population is higher than in previous years. However, the risk to the general public remains low,” he said in a statement provided to CP24.com.

A spokesperson for TPH said the current investigation shows the onset of symptoms for the first outbreak case occurred on or after Sept. 3, although it is not known where the individuals who contracted the …