Shigella outbreak in Kerala kills toddler, death toll rises to 4

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Shigella is a bacteria, which cause dysentery leading to extreme bad health condition
Shigella is a bacteria, which cause dysentery leading to extreme bad health condition

Kerala : The outbreak of shigella infection is leading to the death of people in Kerala. Report confirms that at least four people died in the state due to suspected infection. The first case was reported when a toddler died of shigella infection in Kozhikode Medical College and Hospital, bringing the state in a panic situation.

The 2-year-old boy, Ziyan, was undergoing treatment at the hospital in Kozhikode for the infection.

In June, state Health Department Officials issued a shigella dysentery alert after 2 people from Kozhikode and 1 from Thiruvananthapuram died from dysentery related deaths.

Shigella is a bacteria, which cause dysentery leading to extreme bad health condition. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or even through contact with infected people.

The incubation period for the bacteria is usually within one week, after which time, infected persons may experience abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating. People may also present with fever or diarrhoea, which is blood or mucous stained. Nausea and vomiting are also commonly seen.

In young children, shigella infection has also been known to cause seizures. Unlike most other dysenteries which are caused by viruses, shigella-related dysentery is caused by bacteria.

“Shigella is a diarrheal disease and is highly contagious. It mostly affects children under the age of 5,” said Dr Jayashree Kozhikode DMO, “It is highly advisable that people follow appropriate personal, food, and water hygiene measures. We also are telling everyone to wash their hands and follow routine hygiene measures.”

In addition to following the healthy food and water regime, the health expert also suggest drinking boiled water and water tank at short intervals.

She also stated that the toddler who died of infection must have contracted the infection from food which was bought from outside.

“The infection is more or less self-limiting and only becomes serious in some persons. As long as personal and environmental hygiene measures are followed, there is not much to worry about,” added Dr Jayashree.