Two students under treatment for Shigella in Kollam

KOLLAM: Apart from Wayanad, Shigella has also been confirmed in Kollam. Two students were diagnosed with the disease. They are undergoing treatment at Paripally Medical College. Meantime, five more children in Wayanad have tested positive for Shigella. With this, the number of infected people rose to eight.

Samples of 21 people who were initially admitted to the hospital were sent for testing. The newly infected are girls aged five, seven, eight, nine and 11. Of these, three children have been shifted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The DMO has informed that their health condition is satisfactory.

Two children and one adult who were earlier diagnosed with the disease are also undergoing treatment. Symptoms of the disease were found in 476 people. 34 people are presently in the taluk hospital and a private hospital with symptoms. Of these, three are adults and the rest are children.

Shigella disease is transmitted through contaminated water and food. Often, wells and drinking water sources in homes are not adequately protected. Sewage and waste entering wells along with rainwater provide a breeding ground for pathogens.

Symptoms begin to appear within a day or two. Symptoms may last for five to seven days in a healthy person. Even if diarrhea is completely cured, it may take months for the patient to regain their bowel movements. The disease can be severe in children with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms
Diarrhea
Bloody stools
Painful bowel movements
Abdominal pain
Fever, inflammation of colon
Protrusion of the rectum
Anemia

In severe cases, damage to central nervous system
Significant decrease in platelets
Kidney damage