Kerala has intensified surveillance after a child died, and fresh Shigella cases surfaced in Wayanad. Ministers and officials have ordered inspections, monitoring and precautionary measures amid reports from multiple districts.
Kerala has reported one death and two other cases of Shigella infection, prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and preventive measures across the state.
A four-year-old girl, Nila, a native of Kozhikode, died following a Shigella infection. Three children were reported to have been infected with the disease. A 10-year-old child has been discharged from hospital, while the condition of a two-year-old child remains stable.
Kerala Minister T Siddique, who is also the state agriculture minister and MLA of Kalpetta, told reporters that a high-level meeting would be convened on Tuesday to assess the situation and review measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
Considering the possibility of transmission, health authorities have issued precautionary advisories to people who came into contact with the affected children, he said.
Shigella, also known as shigellosis, is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system, particularly the intestines. It is caused by a group of bacteria known as Shigella. The bacteria can enter the body through contaminated food or water and lead to diarrhoea. The disease is highly contagious and can affect both children and adults.
Siddique said Health Minister K Muraleedharan would visit the district on Tuesday to directly assess the situation and review response measures on the ground.
Speaking in Thrissur, Muraleedharan said 25 students are currently admitted to Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital and none of them is in serious condition.
He said a medical team from Kozhikode has been deployed in Wayanad to assist local health authorities.
“Some students are also undergoing treatment in private hospitals. There are around 800 students in the school,” the minister said.
Muraleedharan said health authorities are also monitoring students who have already been discharged from hospitals.
“Currently, there is no cause for concern. However, we must remain cautious about this disease. Directions have been given to the food safety commissioner to conduct inspections across the state,” he said.
The minister said Shigella spreads primarily through contaminated water and poor hygiene.
“Currently, the situation is under control. Directions have been given to medical officers in all districts to take precautionary measures and closely monitor the situation. The disease can spread in unhygienic conditions,” he said.
Muraleedharan added that Shigella infections mostly affect children.
“Instructions have been issued to closely monitor people presenting symptoms of Shigella infection. Directions have also been given to ensure adequate stocks of medicines,” he said.
Apart from Wayanad and Kozhikode, authorities have also reported Shigella cases in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts.