Shigellosis cases rise to three in Wayanad; Health Minister reviews situation

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One more student tested positive for shigellosis, a bacterial infection caused by shigella, in Wayanad on Tuesday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to three. Following the outbreak among students of Mar Baselios AUP School at Koliyadi, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan visited those undergoing treatment at Taluk Headquarters Hospital, Sulthan Bathery.

Mr. Muraleedharan visited various wards and interacted with students, including those undergoing treatment with symptoms of the disease, and their parents, to inquire about their condition. He said there was no cause for concern. The Minister also held discussions with doctors regarding the health condition of those undergoing treatment.

Later, chairing a review meeting, Mr. Muraleedharan directed officials to prepare a special protocol for shigella treatment. He also instructed the authorities to conduct stringent inspections at roadside eateries and hotels found to be operating under unhygienic conditions and to ensure strict sanitation standards. The Minister said investigations were under way to identify the source of the infection.

Over the past week, a large number of students from the school sought treatment after developing symptoms including fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Officials said as all the students exhibited similar symptoms, treatment for shigellosis had been initiated for those still under medical care, including those whose test results were pending.

Earlier in the day, a meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister T. Siddique decided to chlorinate wells in the surrounding areas of the school on Wednesday. He said inspections and well chlorination would be carried out in all schools across the district.

As some children who had been discharged were later readmitted to hospitals, special monitoring has been put in place for discharged patients. The Minister said the health condition of 35 tribal students who exhibited symptoms continued to be under close observation.

Health department officials said so