Shigella in Thiruvananthapuram; cases reported in Thonnakkal, Chakkai, Puthenthope

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Apart from Wayanad and Kollam, Shigella has now been confirmed in Thiruvananthapuram. The disease was detected in Thonnakkal, Chakkai, and Puthenthope, with three children testing positive. According to the health department, all three are in stable condition.

Meantime, one more case of Shigella has been confirmed in Wayanad. In Kollam, the infection was detected in two students, presently undergoing treatment at the Parippally Medical College. With these latest cases, the total number of Shigella infections reported in Kerala this month has risen to 38.

A four-year-old girl succumbed to the infection earlier this month. The child, identified as Nila from Thalakkulathur, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kozhikode.

Shigella is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water. The infection can also spread when food is prepared by an infected person. Symptoms usually begin within one or two days of exposure and may last for five to seven days in otherwise healthy individuals. The disease can become severe in young children and those with weakened immunity.

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

Health authorities have advised the public to maintain strict hygiene, consume safe drinking water, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms develop.