Shigella outbreak spreads to T'puram and Kollam

Thiruvananthapuram: Shigella outbreak has expanded beyond Wayanad, with fresh cases reported in Kozhikode (3), Thiruvananthapuram (6) and Kollam (2), prompting health authorities to intensify surveillance and containment measures across the state.

According to official figures, 45 cases of Shigella infection have been confirmed across Kerala so far this month. One death linked to the disease has also been reported. As many as 578 people are currently symptomatic in the state of which 502 are in Wayanad.

Six children have been diagnosed with the bacterial infection in Thiruvananthapuram. The cases were reported from Thonnakkal, Chackai and Puthenthope. Health officials said the children are undergoing treatment at different hospitals and are in stable condition.

In Kollam, two students who tested positive have been admitted to the Parippally Govt Medical College Hospital. Medical authorities confirmed that both patients are stable and are receiving specialized treatment. The affected patients include an eight-year-old boy from Paravur and a 12-year-old girl from Mythri Nagar in the College Division area of Kollam corporation. Public health teams have launched contact-tracing efforts and are inspecting water sources in the affected students’ residential areas and schools to prevent further transmission.

The health department has placed districts on high alert amid concerns that the food and water-borne infection could spread to additional regions. Field-level investigations, disease surveillance and public awareness campaigns have been intensified in affected areas.

Shigella is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines and spreads through contaminated food, water and poor hygiene practices. Health authorities have urged the public to maintain strict personal hygiene, consume safe drinking water and ensure food is prepared under sanitary conditions.

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Meanwhile, Wayanad remains the epicentre of the outbreak, with intensive containment measures continuing in the district. Authorities reported that 502 individuals have exhibited symptoms consistent with Shigella infection in the district while 47 patients are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals.

Restrictions on public gatherings also remain in force across Nenmeni panchayat in Wayanad as health officials work to contain the outbreak and prevent community transmission. The health department has appealed to residents to cooperate with preventive measures and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever or abdominal pain develop.

A child was diagnosed with Shigella infection in Wayanad on Thursday, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the district to nine. District medical officer (health) Dr K T Rekha said surveillance, preventive and awareness activities have been expanded across the district and the health condition of all confirmed patients is satisfactory.

Officials said, so far, symptoms associated with the infection have been identified in 514 people. Ten persons were admitted to hospitals on Thursday, taking the number of people currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals to 45. A total of 174 people have been hospitalized since the outbreak began.

As part of field-level surveillance, health workers visited 2,227 houses and chlorinated 1,330 wells. A total of 938 oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets were distributed. Authorities said microphone announcements, awareness classes, disease surveillance and chlorination activities are being carried out across the district, including in areas where cases have been reported, and will continue in the coming days.

The health department has directed all private hospitals and clinics in the district to inform the district surveillance unit if patients with symptoms suggestive of Shigella infection are detected. Medical shops have also been instructed not to dispense medicines without a doctor’s prescription to people showing symptoms and to report such cases to the nearest govt health centre.

Students of the school where Shigella cases were reported have been granted leave. Health workers are monitoring whether these children are safe at home and if they have developed any symptoms. The Shigella control cell is also contacting the children’s families over the phone to monitor their health status.