Dysentery, the diarrhea-inducing bacterial infection, on the rise in Oregon

Dying of dysentery is now more than just a video game meme in Oregon.

In a disgusting turn of events straight out of the “Oregon Trail” game, the diarrhea-inducing malady dysentery is making a stomach-churning comeback in a densely populated region of the state.

Cases of the hyper-contagious bacterial disease have surged in Multnomah County, with health officials reporting 40 cases of the wretched sickness in January, according to the Multnomah County Health Department, KOIN reported. 

The infection, also known as shigellosis, can spread through exposure with infected feces, contaminated food or water, or sexual contact – with person-to-person the most common form of transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Officials said 56% of the most recent cluster are believed to be among the homeless, with other cases linked to methamphetamine or opiate usage, the outlet reported. 

“When you don’t have housing, it is harder to prevent infectious disease and harder to access care to treat disease compared to if you are housed,” the health agency told the outlet in a statement. 

“This rise in Shigella cases over recent years is concerning and is a result of multiple pathways of transmission. Investments made in public health are critical for monitoring and slowing the spread of the disease.”

Strains of the infection circulating in Oregon are resistant to various forms of antibiotics, with patients also experiencing fever, vomiting and cramps, the outlet reported. 

Officials, however, have not found evidence of the more severe strain that can often lead to death. 

Cases of the illness have been on the rise in the state’s smallest and most populous county since 2012, with an elevated spike of a whopping 158 infections reported in 2024, according to data provided to the outlet.

Data shows 35 dysentery cases were reported in December compared to the 3 recorded in July.

County officials are providing short-term housing to those suffering from the misery-inducing illness, stressing access to hygiene and sanitation will help curb the spread of infections, the outlet reported. 

The Multnomah County Health Department did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.