Shigella reported again in Kozhikode; Nine-year-old infected, Elaneer parlor closed in Malappuram

KOZHIKODE: Another Shigella case was reported in Payyoli Thurayur panchayat in Kozhikode. A nine-year-old boy from ward 13 was diagnosed with the disease. The child's health condition is satisfactory. The health department warned the public to be vigilant in the wake of the increase in Shigella cases in the Kozhikode district.

Meanwhile, the Elaneer parlour in Tirurangadi, Malappuram, was closed after Shigella presence was found in the water. The Food Safety Department is conducting inspections in hotels and restaurants after the death of a Keezhattoor native suffering from Shigella. The results of the inspection conducted in 600 restaurants in the district in two phases were released yesterday. Of these, the presence of Shigella was found only in the water of the Elaneer parlour in Tirurangadi.

Shigella is spread through contaminated water and food. People who eat food cooked by someone with Shigella can also get the disease. Symptoms begin to appear within a day or two. Symptoms may last for five to seven days in a healthy person. The disease can be severe in children with weakened immune systems.

The disease mainly affects the intestines. Symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, and bloody stools. Not all people with Shigella show symptoms. Symptoms usually begin three days after the Shigella bacteria enter the body. The illness usually lasts for two to seven days.