Shigella Infection in Kerala : One death and 126 Infected

Screenshot of a Shigella Virus

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) – In the last few years, Kerala has come to be seen as the State most affected by infectious diseases in the country. Now, the State is facing a new problem. According to local media reports, a threat of Shigella infection outbreak has been in the State, and a four-year-old boy who contracted the infection has died. 3 children infected with Shigella had been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College. The condition of one of them deteriorated, and he died. Several cases of Shigella were reported in the State at the beginning of this year, raising public health concerns.

What exactly is a Shigella infection?

According to medical reports, Shigella is a highly infectious bacterial disease. It causes inflammation of the intestines. If the infection is not diagnosed in time, a patient may need to be hospitalised in severe cases. The risk of this infection is greater in young children, elderly people and those with a weak immune system.

A Shigella outbreak has been reported in Kerala with 126 cases and a tragic death of a 4-year-old, putting the state on high alert.

Here’s what this infection is, how it spreads, and the key steps to protect yourself and your family.

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How is Shigella contracted, and what are its symptoms?

Dirty surroundings, contaminated water or contact with an infected person can cause infection in a person. Shigella repeatedly strikes areas where there is poor hygiene and improper sewage water management. This disease affects the large intestine. It can cause diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and fever, etc. It is one of the main infectious diseases related to diarrhoea across the world.