Shigella cases raise alarm bells in Thrissur as 10 infections in nine days

The source of the infection was identified as a temple well from which water was taken for rituals.

A cluster of Shigella infections linked to the temple festival has put health authorities in Thrissur on alert, with 10 cases reported in the district in the first nine days of October. Seven cases, including a seven-month-old baby, were reported from Tholur among people attending a festival at a temple there.

The suspected source of the infection was traced to a well in the temple from which water was drawn for rituals. The well has since been chlorinated, said District Medical Officer M. Sujatha.

“The seven cases of Shigella reported from Tholur were among people who attended a festival at a temple in Tholur. The source of infection was a temple well from which water was taken for rituals. The well was chlorinated,” said Dr. Sujatha.

Medical teams are closely monitoring the situation, while hospitals have been instructed to respond immediately if more cases are detected. Awareness campaigns were also being conducted in the area, with people being advised to seek medical help immediately if they develop symptoms, she said.

All those who tested positive for Shigella sought treatment and most recovered. The remaining patients are also recovering, according to the DMO.

The other three Shigella cases reported during the nine-day period were from Wadakkanchera, Arimburu and Adatu.

The Shigella cluster comes amid a wider rise in fever cases in the district. From October 1 to 9, up to 4,914 people sought treatment for fever. During the period, 39 cases of dengue fever and four cases of leptospirosis were also confirmed.

Dengue cases have been reported from several parts of the district, including Kodakara, Mattathur, Meloor, Thrissur Corporation, Avinissery, Chalakudy, Kaiparamba, Kodassery, Pananchery, Puthukkad, Adat, Alur, Puthur, Mullurkara, Pariyaram, Tholur, Orumanayur and Choon Thalikulam.

Leptospirosis cases were reported from Pananchery, Pazhayannur, Porkulam and Kuzhur.

Dengue cases

The DMO said a significant number of dengue cases were detected in migrant labor camps and among their contacts. “Most of the dengue cases have been reported from migrant labor camps and their contacts. We are closely following them and monitoring the situation,” she said.

Health authorities have stepped up surveillance and preventive measures across the district. The DMO urged people with fever to get enough rest, drink plenty of water and consume a nutritious diet, while vulnerable people, especially those with weakened immune systems, should take special precautions and seek medical attention if necessary.

As shigella cases emerge in connection with communal gatherings and dengue fever continues to emerge in multiple locations, health officials are closely monitoring possible further transmission and urging the public to practice strict hygiene and food and water safety.

Published – 10 Oct 2026 19:22 IST