In a follow-up on the shigellosis outbreak afflicting Kerala state, India, on Thursday, the state health department confirmed 19 fresh cases of Shigella, pushing the total number of infections recorded this June alone to 110
In a statement, Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan said the fresh cases included nine from Kozhikode, three from Thrissur, two each from Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, and one each from Kollam, Ernakulam and Malappuram.
This brings the total cases in the state since the beginning of the year to 189.
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Amid a rise in shigellosis and other diarrheal diseases during the monsoon season, the Health Department has launched a statewide campaign against diarrheal diseases from June 16 to July 31, the minister said.
The campaign, being conducted in coordination with various government departments, aims to strengthen awareness and preventive measures under the slogan “Prevent diarrheal diseases, save lives.” According to the department, the campaign will focus on disinfecting drinking water sources, monitoring water quality, promoting scientific waste management, encouraging hand hygiene, and ensuring the availability of ORS and zinc at health centers.
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The campaign will also stress personal hygiene, handwashing practices, sanitation measures while handling infants, and awareness about the preparation and importance of ORS, the statement said.
Shigellosis is an intestinal illness caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella. Common symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, and fever. Symptoms usually begin within two days after exposure to Shigella and typically last for five to seven days. Many people may have mild disease that gets better without medical treatment and will recover fully. However, some people, especially young children, older adults, and persons with weakened immune systems, may have severe disease that requires hospitalization. A
small number of people can develop complications such as blood stream infections, seizures, kidney failure or arthritis.
Shigella is very infectious and spreads easily. An infected person sheds Shigella bacteria in their stool while they are sick and often for more than a week afterwards. Not washing your hands well after using the toilet can spread the bacteria. Shigella spreads from exposure to feces of an infected person, which can occur during sexual contact. It also spreads by eating foods or liquids contaminated with feces from an infected person or swallowing untreated recreational water (such as lakes or water park play fountains) contaminated with Shigella.