85 confirmed cases of shigellosis reported till June in Kerala

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A highly contagious bacterial diarrhoeal disease called shigellosis (bacillary dysentery), caused by shigella, is being reported across the State now

While all districts are reporting cases sporadically, these are turning into outbreaks in some locations affecting more people because of contaminated food/ water or due to poor hygiene practices. Cases are now being reported from Wayanad, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, and Malappuram.

Two cases were confirmed in children in Mar Baselios School in Wayanad on Monday, where more children are suspected to have been affected.

According to the Health department, 85 confirmed cases and over 70 probable cases of shigellosis have been reported till June 7 this year. While shigellosis is self-limiting in healthy adults, it can be fatal for children under five years, in whom the highest mortality is reported. The elderly and immunocompromised individuals are also highly vulnerable.

Two deaths in children have been reported so far, one in April and the second one on June 6, both from Kozhikode. The department has cautioned the public to be mindful of food and water-related hygiene as well as personal hygiene so that shigellosis does not spread in a locality.

Shigellosis is highly contagious and spreads through food, water, and surfaces contaminated by infected individuals as well as through contact during patient care. Unless hygiene is maintained meticulously, a single infected person can pass on the disease to the entire household through close contact.

Symptoms usually appear within one to two days of infection and include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, blood in stools, and painful, frequent urges to use the toilet. The health department also advised people to consume ORS (oral rehydration salts) solution to prevent dehydration and seek treatment immediately. It also advised people that it was extremely important to complete the course of prescribed medication, including antibiotics

A health advisory said hand washing with soap for 20 se