Thiruvananthapuram, 18 June (H.S. :

Kerala has issued a health alert following a sharp rise in Shigella infections, with health authorities urging the public to remain vigilant as dengue fever and leptospirosis cases continue to increase across the state.

The Health Department issued the warning after another Shigella-related death was reported and 12 new cases of the bacterial infection were confirmed. A 75-year-old woman from Aliparamba in Malappuram district died on Wednesday due to the disease. Fresh cases have also been reported among an elderly couple in Arimpur in Thrissur district and a 62-year-old woman in Kannur.

According to health officials, 91 people have tested positive for Shigella over the past 17 days, raising concerns about the spread of the disease. Authorities noted that the number of cases reported this year is more than double that recorded during the corresponding period last year.

The state is simultaneously witnessing an increase in dengue and leptospirosis infections. Daily dengue cases have crossed the 100-mark, with 105 new infections reported on Wednesday alone. A total of 1,029 dengue cases have been recorded so far this month.

Meanwhile, 19 people were diagnosed with leptospirosis, commonly known as rat fever. The disease has claimed 22 lives in Kerala so far this year. Overall, the number of people seeking treatment for fever-related illnesses has crossed 10,000, according to official estimates.

To contain the spread of communicable diseases, the Health Department has directed local bodies to observe a three-day “Dry Day” campaign focusing on sanitation drives and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites.

Health experts said Shigella primarily spreads through contaminated food and water and stressed the importance of maintaining personal hygiene, consuming safe drinking water and ensuring proper food safety practices. Authorities have also advised infected individuals to wear masks in public places and urged parents not to send children with symptoms of illness to schools.

Officials emphasised that while preventive measures are being intensified by the government, public cooperation and personal vigilance remain crucial in curbing the spread of infectious diseases across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman