Kerala is facing growing public health concerns as the Shigella outbreak in Wayanad continues to rise. Seven more students tested positive for shigellosis on Friday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 16, according to the District Medical Officer. Authorities also remain on alert over a fresh suspected Nipah virus infection in the state.
Authorities have intensified surveillance and preventive measures and have urged people to seek medical help in case of fever or other symptoms, while also taking precautions to prevent further spread of the infection. So far, symptoms linked to the outbreak have been reported in more than 500 people. Around 45 patients are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals, while 174 people have been admitted since the outbreak began.
The outbreak was traced to students of Mar Baselios AUP School at Koliyadi near Sulthan Bathery, where several children developed symptoms including fever, vomiting and diarrhoea over the past week. Subsequent medical tests confirmed the presence of the Shigella bacteria.
As part of containment efforts, holidays have been declared for schools in three panchayats and the Sulthan Bathery municipality area. Parents have also been advised to avoid taking children to crowded places and public gatherings until the situation improves.
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Shigella bacteria and commonly spreads through contaminated food, water and close contact. Health officials said the condition of all infected children remains stable.
Meanwhile, concerns over the Nipah virus are also rising in Kerala following reports of a fresh suspected case in the state. State Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said the situation remains under control and urged the public not to panic. The Union Health Ministry said the Centre is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Kerala Health Department to review containment measures.
(With PTI inputs)
