Four-year-old girl dies of Shigella infection in Kozhikode; two more children test positive

KOZHIKODE: A four-year-old girl died after contracting shigella infection in Kozhikode. The deceased has been identified as Nila, a native of Thalakkulathur. The child was admitted to the Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH) at the Medical College Hospital on June 1 after developing severe diarrhoea. She had been undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit and passed away on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, two more children receiving treatment at IMCH have tested positive for shigella infection. The infected children are a 10-year-old boy from Purameri and a two-year-old child from Pantheeramkavu. Both were admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhoea, and laboratory tests later confirmed shigella infection.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria belonging to the Shigella group. Severe diarrhoea is the main symptom of the disease, and it can be more serious than ordinary diarrhoea. The infection spreads through contaminated water, spoiled food, unwashed fruits and vegetables, close contact with infected individuals, or consumption of food prepared by someone carrying the bacteria. Health experts warn that the disease can be particularly dangerous for children under five years of age and people with weakened immune systems. If symptoms become severe, the risk of death increases in these groups. Shigella infection can spread rapidly if proper precautions are not taken. The disease is easily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the stool of an infected person.

Symptoms of shigellosis

Common symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, vomiting, fatigue and blood in the stool. Since the Shigella bacteria primarily affect the intestines, diarrhoea may sometimes be accompanied by bleeding. Symptoms usually last between two and seven days, although they can persist longer in some cases. Some infected individuals may not show any symptoms at all.