Daijiworld Media Network – Wayanad
Wayanad, Jun 9: Kerala has reported fresh cases of Shigella infection, prompting health authorities to step up preventive measures across the state after a four-year-old girl succumbed to the bacterial disease.
The deceased child, identified as Neela from Kozhikode district, died after contracting Shigella infection. Health officials have confirmed that three children have been infected so far. While a 10-year-old child has already been discharged from hospital, the condition of a two-year-old patient remains stable, doctors said.
Taking the situation seriously, the state government has decided to hold a high-level meeting on Tuesday to review the outbreak and discuss further preventive measures. Kerala Agriculture Minister and Kalpetta MLA T Siddique said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and formulating strategies to prevent the disease from spreading further. The health department has also issued precautionary guidelines to people who came into contact with the infected children.
Shigella, also known as shigellosis, is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system, particularly the intestines. The disease is caused by Shigella bacteria, which enter the body through contaminated food or water and can lead to severe diarrhoea. Health experts warn that the infection spreads rapidly and can affect both children and adults.
Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan has decided to visit Wayanad district to assess the situation firsthand. Speaking in Thrissur, he said 25 students are currently admitted to Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital, although none of them are in serious condition. Some students are also undergoing treatment at private hospitals.
The minister said the cases were reported from a school with around 800 students. Several students who had been hospitalised have already returned home, but health authorities continue to monitor them closely.
Muraleedharan said there is no immediate reason for panic but urged people to remain vigilant. He added that food safety authorities across the state have been directed to intensify inspections. The minister warned that Shigella infection is primarily spread through contaminated water and poor sanitation.
Medical officers in all districts have been instructed to take preventive measures and closely monitor the situation. The health department noted that children are particularly vulnerable to the infection and advised immediate medical attention for symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever. Authorities have also been directed to ensure adequate stock of essential medicines.
Apart from Wayanad and Kozhikode, Shigella cases have also been reported from Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. District officials and health authorities in Wayanad held a meeting on Tuesday morning to coordinate containment measures. As part of precautionary efforts, the Food Safety Department has launched strict inspections at restaurants and food establishments.
Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan urged the government to adopt urgent measures on a war footing to prevent the infection from spreading further. He said increased vigilance was necessary as cases were being reported from multiple districts.
Vijayan stressed that the health department and local self-government institutions should jointly implement effective containment strategies. He also called for an immediate assessment of drinking water sources and intensified sanitation and cleaning drives.
Appealing for public cooperation, Vijayan urged people to remain alert about their health and support the measures being implemented by the government to contain the outbreak.