Prevention of waterborne diseases: tested bottled water

Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has directed the food safety department to carry out strict checks on bottled drinking water in Kerala in view of the spread of water-borne diseases.

Unhygienic food outlets will be closed. The food safety wing will intensify its inspections to ensure that food safety and standards are strictly followed by all food outlets.

A total of 155 cases of shigellosis have been reported in the state from January to June 16 of this year, including the eight cases reported on Tuesday. Of these, 77 cases were reported this month.

Five deaths from shigellosis were also reported in the state this year. Kozhikode reported the highest number of cases, with 74 cases recorded so far this year. Malappuram has 14. Sporadic cases are reported from most districts.

Dry days calendar released

The minister said resource reduction remains a key strategy in the prevention of vector-borne diseases such as dengue. The Ministry of Health will issue a calendar for observing regular “dry days” in the near future.

Government offices and schools should compulsorily observe dry days in accordance with the calendar.

Published – 16 Jun 2026 21:03 IST