The Kerala Health Department has reported a total of 216 cases of Shigella infection across the state, resulting in six fatalities, with a 54-year-old woman from Kozhikode confirmed as the latest victim on June 20th. June alone saw 140 new cases, with Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad reporting the highest numbers, and seven additional cases confirmed recently from various districts. This surge in the highly contagious intestinal infection, which spreads through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene, is attributed to the onset of the monsoon season potentially contaminating water sources and unsanitary conditions in food establishments. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with severe complications like dehydration, seizures, and kidney failure being a risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The Kerala Health Department has reported a total of 216 cases of Shigella infection across the state, resulting in six fatalities, with a 54-year-old woman from Kozhikode confirmed as the latest victim on June 20th. June alone saw 140 new cases, with Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad reporting the highest numbers, and seven additional cases confirmed recently from various districts. This surge in the highly contagious intestinal infection, which spreads through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene, is attributed to the onset of the monsoon season potentially contaminating water sources and unsanitary conditions in food establishments. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with severe complications like dehydration, seizures, and kidney failure being a risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The Kerala Health Department has reported a total of 216 cases of Shigella infection across the state, resulting in six fatalities, with a 54-year-old woman from Kozhikode confirmed as the latest victim on June 20th. June alone saw 140 new cases, with Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad reporting the highest numbers, and seven additional cases confirmed recently from various districts. This surge in the highly contagious intestinal infection, which spreads through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene, is attributed to the onset of the monsoon season potentially contaminating water sources and unsanitary conditions in food establishments. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, with severe complications like dehydration, seizures, and kidney failure being a risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Highlighting the need for vigilance and precautions, Kerala Health Department reported that the state has recorded a total of 216 cases so far, with 6 fatalities across the state. 

According to a statement issued by the office of Health Minister K Muraleedharan, health authorities confirmed that a 54-year-old woman from Mavoor in Kozhikode district, who died on June 20, had been infected with Shigella.

District-wise, the highest number of cases during June has been reported from Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad. Seven new cases were reported as well, comprising two each from Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, and one each from Thrissur, Malappuram and Wayanad. Of the 216 cases, 140 cases were reported in the month of June. 

What is Shigella?

Shigella is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines and spreads through contaminated food, water or poor hygiene.

Why are shigella cases surging?

As Shigella is primarily acases ssociated with sanitation and contamination issues, the following could be some of the reasons why the cases are surging. 

-The onset of monsoon in the state could have triggered the contamination of drinking water sources, making it the perfect breeding ground for the bacteria to spread. 

- Contamination of food and unsanitary premises in restaurants are some of the important reasons behind the spread of the infection. 

People infected with the disease experience diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. It can be particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with weakened immunity. Dehydration, seizures and in some cases, kidney failure have been reported by some people with severe complications. 

For more information, consult a health expert. 

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