Kozhikode: A seven year old child from Pookkottoor died of Shigella on Monday, marking the fourth fatality due to the infection in Kerala this year.
The deceased, Arjav, died while undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Arjav had been admitted to the hospital on June 12 with fever and diarrhoea and was later diagnosed with Shigella infection, officials said.
According to data from the State Directorate of Health Services (DHS), 138 confirmed cases of Shigellosis had been reported in Kerala till June 14, with the highest number of cases recorded in Kozhikode district. In addition, 77 suspected cases too have been reported across the state.
In June alone, 62 confirmed cases and 17 suspected cases of the infection have been recorded, officials said.
Three fresh confirmed cases were reported on June 14.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. It spreads mainly through contaminated food or water and through contact with infected persons. Children are particularly vulnerable to the disease, while symptoms in healthy adults are often milder and may resolve on their own.
-With inputs from PTI