Ernakulam on high alert following rise in Shigellosis cases in the state

As several cases of shigellosis have been reported from different parts of the state, doctors have urged the public to strictly follow hygiene practices to prevent an outbreak in Ernakulam.

District physician Dr. R. Shahirsha said that although no cases have been reported in the district recently, the menace remains and stressed the need to follow food safety measures and maintain personal hygiene.

“Food safety inspections will be carried out at restaurants to ensure safety standards are followed, and notices have been issued asking people to be careful when consuming food and water from outside. We need to ensure that roadside shacks and canteens meet food safety standards. Inspections will be held regularly,” said Dr. Shahirsha.

The public was urged to observe personal hygiene and consume food and water only from reliable sources.

Dr. Reshmi Ramachandran, associate professor of community medicine, Government Medical College, Ernakulam, said the bacterial infection, which is easily spread through the faecal-oral route, can be prevented by maintaining good personal hygiene. “The infection is easily spread through contaminated food and water. Always ensure that water is consumed only after it has reached boiling point and that food safety standards are followed. Food should be hot and freshly prepared and foods such as salads and cut fruits should be avoided. The food safety department must take measures to ensure hygiene standards are followed,” added Dr. Ramachandran.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, convener, Research Cell of Kerala State IMA, said that rather than relying only on annual measures to contain outbreaks, the long-term focus should be on improving drinking water standards and addressing the root causes of such outbreaks. This would ensure access to clean and safe drinking water throughout the state through the public distribution network and other channels, while ensuring adequate sewage disposal mechanisms to eliminate the risk of faecal contamination of drinking water sources.

“Shigellosis is a bacterial disease that can spread from person to person. The presence of just 10 bacteria is enough to infect an individual. It has a special ability to bypass the protective acid barrier of the stomach. It is also spread in places where large numbers of people congregate, such as schools, anganwadis and canteens, even through shared food.”

“The public health system should be modernized and hygiene standards strengthened to create a sustainable defense against these recurring seasonal risks,” suggested Dr. Jayadevan.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 22:36 IST