Published Jun 14, 2026 | 4:35 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 14, 2026 | 4:35 PM
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that affects the bowel and causes diarrhoea or dysentery.
Synopsis: A fresh case of Shigella infection was reported in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, with a nine-year-old boy testing positive. Health officials said the child is in stable condition and urged residents to remain cautious amid the rise in cases in the district.
A fresh case of Shigella infection has been reported in Thurayur grama panchayat in the Kozhikode district of Kerala on Sunday, 14 June, with a nine-year-old boy from Ward 13 testing positive.
Health officials said the child is in stable condition and urged residents to remain cautious amid the rise in cases in the district.
In Malappuram, authorities shut down an elaneer (tender coconut) parlour in Tirurangadi after Shigella bacteria were detected in its water supply. The Food Safety Department intensified inspections following the recent death of a Keezhattoor resident infected with the disease.
Of the 600 eateries inspected in two phases across the district, Shigella contamination was found only at the Tirurangadi establishment.
Also Read: Why doctors are concerned about Shigella after Kerala toddler’s death
Kozhikode intensified surveillance after a four-year-old girl died of shigellosis, with two more pediatric cases confirmed at the Government Medical College Hospital. Earlier in March, another child succumbed to the infection.
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has urged urgent preventive measures, stressing sanitation, safe drinking water, and vigilance in schools. Health Minister K Muraleedharan directed food safety checks at eateries and called for local body involvement in maintaining hygiene.
Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria and is known to spread rapidly, especially among young children. Medical experts say children below five years are the most vulnerable, although the disease can affect people of any age.
The infection commonly spreads through contact with contaminated hands, food, water or surfaces exposed to infected stool. Poor hygiene practices, contaminated drinking water and unsafe food handling are among the major causes behind transmission.
Doctors say the disease usually presents with diarrhoea, which may at times contain blood, along with fever, abdominal cramps and vomiting. While many patients recover within a week with proper hydration and rest, severe cases may require antibiotic treatment and hospitalisation.
Authorities have advised strict handwashing, consumption of boiled water, and immediate medical attention for symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and dehydration, as the state battles to contain the highly contagious bacterial infection.
(With inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman.)
