Thiruvananthapuram, 13 June (H.S.) :
Kerala's growing Shigella outbreak claimed one life on Friday as health authorities confirmed 18 new cases of the bacterial infection, taking the total number of cases reported in the state this year to 132.
The victim was a resident of Keezhattur in Malappuram district. The latest infections were reported from Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, raising concerns about the spread of the disease across multiple regions of the state.
Health officials are also investigating a possible source of contamination in Kattakkada near Thiruvananthapuram, where traces of Shigella bacteria were detected in a beverage sold at a bakery located inside the KSRTC bus stand premises. Following the initial finding, local panchayat authorities have sent fresh samples of the drink for laboratory testing.
The bakery reportedly uses water drawn from a borewell situated within the KSRTC bus stand compound. Several other establishments in the area also rely on the same water source. However, tests conducted on beverages collected from neighbouring outlets did not reveal the presence of Shigella bacteria, prompting authorities to conduct further investigations to determine the exact source of contamination.
Officials said no consumers who purchased drinks from the bakery have so far reported symptoms associated with Shigella infection. Nevertheless, concerns remain high as the outlet serves a large number of travellers and commuters every day.
Meanwhile, the state government has transferred Health Services Director Dr K.J. Reena amid concerns over the handling of communicable disease outbreaks. Additional Director Dr V. Meenakshi has been given temporary charge, while Dr Reena has been posted to the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Ernakulam.
Sources indicated that Health Minister K. Muraleedharan was unhappy with Dr Reena taking 15 days of leave during a period marked by multiple public health challenges. The transfer comes as Kerala is simultaneously dealing with a confirmed Nipah virus case in Kozhikode and an increase in Shigella infections across several districts.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
