Shigella Infection Kills One In North Kerala, State On High Alert; Check Symptoms & Causes

After cases of an intestinal infection called shigellosis emerged from North Kerala, there is panic in the state. Here's more about the disease and its symptoms.

Representative Image (FILE PIC/AFP)

New Delhi: After the death of an 11-year-old, panic has gripped Kozhikode in North Kerala over a new disease even as the state battles coronavirus. The intestinal infection known as shigellosis is caused by the bacteria Shigella. The microorganism is also the leading cause of diarrhoea worldwide.  The state health department said only six people were confirmed to have been infected so far and 26 others are suspected cases of the infection. Some of the suspected people were discharged later. What is Shigella and how does it spread? According to medical experts, shigella bacteria triggers an infection called shigellosis. Symptoms include, diarrhoea, often containing blood or mucus in stool, stomach pain, cramps, fever, and vomiting are the main symptoms of the infection. A person gets infected after taking contaminated water or taking stale food. It is highly contagious and can also be transmitted after using a common toilet. Shigella is seen more often in developing countries, especially in crowded areas. In some cases, people infected with the bacteria do not show symptoms but they are contagious. Is it treatable? Dr. Amar Fettle, state nodal officer for communicable diseases, said Shigella usually spreads through food and water, which are contaminated to some extent by human excreta. "The disease is treatable and is manageable by antibiotics. Proper sanitisation methods should be followed. It is not deadly but requires public awareness and one must take due precautions for food and water safety along with proper waste management," Fettle told PTI. Experts have also asked people not to have sexual relations with a person who has recently recovered from shigellosis. Should you be afraid? Shigella outbreak has been brought under control. “We have started inspection of all houses in the affected areas. Initial reports do suggest water contamination led to the infection. We have asked people to drink only boiled water and maintain strict personal hygiene,” said state health minister K.K. Shailaja. She said samples of water and food were collected and sent for detailed lab examination. Preventive measures were stepped up as soon as the disease was reported, with the DMO and the district surveillance team visiting the site of the outbreak, a statement from the DMO said. The department initiated the necessary measures and conducted super chlorination, inspections of eateries, including hotels, medical camps, and active case search and awareness activities among the people.