Dysentery Is On The Rise In Portland, Oregon!

What is happening to Portland, Oregon?

We’ve heard about the crime, about the homelessness, and the overall heartache that seems to have overtaken this once beautiful and beloved city.

It’s really sad. I used to be so excited to visit Portland; NOW I’m worried I’ll get Dysentery.

Yeah, Dysentery!

You read that right; there is a chance you could get Dysentery in Portland, Oregon.

You might be thinking, ‘Dysentery? Isn’t that the way you would die in the Oregon Trail game?’

"Oh no, Lance has dysentery" - Player 1

Yes! Yes, it is. The Oregon Trail game was called Oregon Trail because it was based on the Oregon Trail! And yes, people died of Dysentery on the Oregon Trail!

Now, the nice thing is that there have been several dysentery outbreaks over the years, and the world kept spinning.

The scary thing is that dysentery cases have risen quite a bit in Multnomah County, more than doubled since last year.

RELEATED READING: Blink & You'll Miss Oregon's Smallest Town With How Many Residents?

The cases are usually among the homeless population and have grown because of the increase in homeless and winter conditions, such as when public restrooms are closed down (due to the risk of pipes freezing).

What Is Dysentery?

It’s a gastrointestinal disease caused by bacterial or even parasitic infections. Many people know Dysentery as ‘really bad diarrhea,’ but it can be much more than that.

"Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and stomach cramps.”

 

– Cleveland Clinic

Thanks to modern medicine, antibiotics usually clear it up, and we don’t have to worry about little pixelated tombstones.

Giphy.com

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Relive the history from the comfort of your own home by checking out our article about Lewis & Clark Trail & relive the Washington & Oregon Journey!