Kerala reports 34 cases of shigellosis so far in June

More cases of shigellosis (bacillary dysentery), a highly contagious bacterial diarrheal disease caused by shigella, are being reported in Kerala, with a total of 34 cases reported in June alone.

Thiruvananthapuram reported six cases, Kollam and Idukki one each, Alapuzha three, Malappuram and Kannur two each, Kozhikode 11 and Wayanad eight.

Three more children tested positive for shigellosis at Wayanad Mar Baselios HSS on Thursday, where around 514 children showed symptoms of the infection. Results of seven more samples are awaited, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said here on Thursday.

He said 47 people are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals, both public and private, in Wayanad, while three people have been hospitalized in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram and two others in Kollam.

Mr. Muraleedharan said that water samples from both the borehole and the well at Mar Baselios School were sent for testing and the well water was found to be highly contaminated.

Shigellosis is reported sporadically from all districts every year, with occasional occurrences. A total of 133 cases were reported last year with zero deaths.

Symptoms and prevention

Shigellosis is a severe form of diarrheal outbreak involving the invasion of intestinal tissue by bacteria that causes highly infectious, bloody and mucus-filled stools (bacillary dysentery) accompanied by high fever and severe abdominal cramps.

The infection is spread by contaminated water, food and contact from infected surfaces and is extremely contagious. Ingesting as few as 10 to 100 bacteria can cause an infection. It spreads rapidly through the fecal-oral route through direct person-to-person contact.

Usually, one infected person in a household can spread the infection to all members of the family if strict personal hygiene is not followed.

The Ministry of Health has issued an advisory asking parents to keep infected children at home to prevent interaction with other children and subsequent transmission of the disease in the locality.

While shigellosis resolves on its own in healthy adults, it can be fatal for children under the age of five, who are reported to have the highest mortality rate. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical help as soon as symptoms appear.

Washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds – scrubbing between your fingers and under your nails – before cooking, serving food, eating and after using the toilet is important to prevent the spread of infection.

Individuals affected by shigellosis should not share bedding, dishes, or clothing with others and maintain strict hygiene. Even after symptoms subside, people should avoid serving food at public gatherings, sharing food, or visiting restaurants for at least two weeks.

Drinking water should be boiled and it is better to avoid stale food and raw food such as salads.

The health minister said the food safety department would intensify inspections of food outlets to ensure compliance with food safety and standards.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 21:29 IST