Shigella outbreak in Kerala claims life of 11-year-old,6 infected, health minister calls for caution

Mangalore Today News Network

Calicut, Dec 22, 2020:    Following the death of an 11-year-old in the state’s Calicut district, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja has appealed to the general public to maintain caution about Shigella. A Shigella virus outbreak is being reported from the northern part of Kerala.

 

This is not the first time that Shigella infection has been reported in the state and there have been similar reports in the past as well, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja said.

"Usually these viruses spread through contaminated water. Hence, it is highly advised for people living in densely populated areas to use boiled water for drinking. Everybody must maintain caution and ensure proper hygiene" she added.

Shigella outbreak in northern Kerala

According to Kozhikode District Medical Officer V Jayashree, 26 cases of diarrhea have been reported in the district over the past few days. As many as six of these cases have been linked with Shigella, which is a contagious virus infection where a patient experiences diarrhea as the main symptom.

Most of the patients, including two children, have been admitted to the Kozhikode Medical College while some patients have been discharged after recovering from Shigella. None of those affected are in critical condition as of yet, the District Medical Officer added.

The district administration of Kozhikode has tested the samples of 56 suspected patients. Out of these, only six were diagnosed with Shigella.

At least 150 peole in Mayanad and nearby areas have attended medical camp organised by the health department in the last two days, the district medical officer said. She went on to add that efforts are being made to trace the root cause of the infection. Water and food samples have also been collected from affected areas for this purpose.

What is Shigella?

A contagious viral infection, Shigella is the more commonly used term to describe shigellosis which is caused by Shigella bacteria. Children under the age of 10 are most susceptible to contract Shigella. A person can get infected with shigellosis after drinking contaminated water or consuming stale food or even using the same toilet as an infected person.

Symptoms of Shigella

Apart from diarrhea, a person affected by Shigella may also experience fever and stomach cramps. Symptoms of Shigella usually begin a day or two after the patient has been infected and can last for up to seven days.

Precautions against Shigella

Doctors advise frequently washing hands with soap and running water to avoid infections such as Shigella.

Courtesy:India Today