Kozhikode/Kannur, Kerala, June 16 (ANI): Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan on Tuesday said that 70 cases of shigellosis have been reported in the state in June alone, bringing the total number of cases of the highly infectious disease to 146 since January.
The minister said that of the five Shigella-related deaths reported in the state, one occurred in March and the remaining four were recorded in June.
To combat the spread of both Shigella and the Nipah virus, the state government has constituted a high-powered committee led by a World Health Organization (WHO) consultant.
“To prevent viral and amoebic diseases, we have formed a high-power committee. The chairman is Dr. S.S. Lal, a World Health Organization consultant. We will convene a meeting weekly, get the reports and give directions to the officials. This committee will also research permanently preventing such diseases,” Muraleedharan said.
“This year, the government will succeed in preventing the spread of the Nipah virus. Only one person is in the hospital with a positive case out of more than 38 samples sent to the lab. He’s on a ventilator,” the health minister said.
Meanwhile, two cases of shigellosis were reported in Mokeri Grama Panchayat in Kannur district on Monday. Two boys, ages 4 and 8, have been diagnosed with the disease, authorities said.
Following the cases, a rapid response team met in Mokeri Grama Panchayat to assess the situation.
Officials are checking whether any children in the area have been absent from school due to diarrhea. The health condition of the two children is currently satisfactory.
The health department is also investigating the source of the infection. Shigella is transmitted through contaminated drinking water, food and poor hand hygiene. In this situation, caution should be exercised, District Medical Officer K.C. Sachin said.
Shigella is a bacterium that causes an intestinal infection known as shigellosis. It can be transmitted through contaminated food, water or contact with infected individuals. The risk of transmission is higher in unsanitary conditions.
The main symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea, which may sometimes contain blood and mucus, stomach pain, fever, vomiting and nausea.
“Symptoms usually appear within one to three days after the pathogen enters the body. Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe illness. Diagnosis is usually made through a stool test,” the release said.
Maintaining proper hydration is important during treatment. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor.
Preventive measures include washing hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet, drinking only boiled or purified water, thoroughly cooking food and maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. (ANI)
About The Author
