Dysentery cases are on the rise in the Portland area.
In January, health officials reported 40 cases of the highly contagious bacterial infection in Multnomah County, where Portland is located — up from 17 in January 2024, according to the Multnomah County Health Department.
Health officials have linked the rise in dysentery cases to the number of people experiencing homelessness in the county. Since 2015, there have been several dysentery outbreaks among unhoused people in Portland, according to the county health department.
Here’s what you need to know about the disease and why unhoused people are at greater risk.