Malappuram , The Keralam Health Department has stepped up surveillance and preventive measures in northern Malappuram district after Shigella infections were confirmed in three areas, with people being urged to exercise caution.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoeal diseases and predominantly affects children. It spreads mainly through contaminated water and food that is stale or inadequately cooked. Symptoms usually develop within one or two days of infection and include diarrhoea, blood and pus in stools, severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and dehydration.
The district has reported 75 Shigella cases so far this year, including eight contact cases, District Medical Officer Dr V Vinod said in a statement.
Even infected children who do not show symptoms can transmit the bacteria through their stools, the DMO said, warning that delayed treatment could result in serious complications affecting the brain and kidneys and, in severe cases, cause death.
Washing hands with soap before eating, before preparing food and after using the toilet is essential to prevent the spread of infection.
