Shigella reported in Malappuram; two including four-year-old girl infected, 23 others show symptoms

MALAPPURAM: After Kozhikode, Shigella has now been confirmed in Malappuram district as well. Three individuals in Nilambur contracted the infection—a four-year-old girl who consumed snacks from a shop in Amarambalam, and two others who ate 'Mandi' (a rice dish) from a shop in Palunda.

The Health Department issued an alert in the area. Currently, 23 people are undergoing treatment for symptoms such as diarrhoea and abdominal pain; whether they are also infected with Shigella can only be confirmed once their test results are available.

Earlier, the infection was confirmed in three students at a school in Meppayil, Kozhikode. It is suspected that the infection originated from the water in the school's well. Several other children exhibiting symptoms are currently undergoing treatment. The school has been temporarily closed.

Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria, with diarrhoea being the primary symptom. If left untreated, the condition can become severe and may even lead to death. The disease can be transmitted through contaminated water, unhygienic or spoiled food.