Health officials step up surveillance as Shigella cases rise in Kerala’s Malappuram

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Eight people have tested positive for Shigella infection in Malappuram district, with five cases linked to a wedding party at Korakkathu in Elamkulam panchayat near Perinthalmanna.

The epidemic prompted the Ministry of Health to strengthen surveillance and preventive measures in the area.

The five patients attended a wedding held on October 31, 2026 in Ward 12 of Elamkulam panchayat. About 80 people who attended the event have since reported symptoms of diarrhea. A child from the area is also suspected of having a Shigella infection and is under special surveillance.

Other confirmed cases include a four-year-old girl who ate food from a snack shop at Mile 5 in Amarambalam near Nilambur and two people who ate mandi rice from a restaurant in Palunda near Chungathara, Nilambur.

The girl and two patients from Chungathara are undergoing treatment at the government district hospital in Nilambur. Several others, including the girl’s mother, also reported similar symptoms.

The food safety department collected samples of the food and drinking water served at the wedding and sent them for testing. Stool samples of those affected will be examined in a laboratory at the Government Medical College in Manjeri.

A special medical team has started surveillance and interventions at ground level. The Ministry of Health advised people to drink boiled and cooled water and eat properly cooked food. Drinking water sources should also be superchlorinated using bleaching powder, health officials said.

Health authorities in coordination with the panchayat will intensify inspections in local establishments and public functions. Event organizers have been asked to follow public health guidelines.

Published – 07 Nov 2026 19:41 IST