During the month of June 2026, Kerala state in southern India has 59 confirmed cases of Shigella and 2 confirmed deaths during the month of June, according to the latest published health data.
With this, the total number of cases has reached 135, with three deaths recorded since January 2026.
The districts hit hardest by the shigella outbreak include Wayanad, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.
The Health Department has warned the people to be vigilant in the situation where Shigella and waterborne diseases have been reported in various places in the state. These may affect more people as the rain intensifies.
Those with symptoms of the disease should seek treatment at the nearest health centers as soon as possible. Special care and vigilance should be maintained as the disease is likely to become serious in children and the elderly. Dehydration will increase the risk of children and the elderly.
What is shigella disease?
Shigella disease is a type of infection that occurs in the intestines due to the bacteria Shigella entering the body. Diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms. Bacteria affects the cover of the intestines and creates defects there. Special caution is required as it can spread very quickly compared to other diarrhea diseases.
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Symptoms
Symptoms may appear within one or two days of bacteria entering the body:
Diarrhea with severe fever.
Blood and mucus are found on the mountain.
Severe abdominal pain, constipation in stomach, nausea, vomiting, severe fatigue, body pain.
The way it spreads:
By drinking wastewater containing pathogens or eating food prepared in wastewater.
Through not following personal hygiene and through direct contact with patients.
Via flies.
Prevention:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before cooking and eating and after hiking.
Keep the food covered. Avoid stale and exposed food.
*Wash fruits and vegetables in clean water and use.
Cook food well and use it.
Drink only boiled water.
Those who have symptoms should avoid preparing food.
Reduce contact with those with symptoms. Provide a special toilet for the patient.
Do not come in contact with the material used by the patient.
Dispose of diapers safely and maintain the cleanliness of the environment.
Do not defecate in open spaces.