Kozhikode, 22 June (H.S.):A seven-year-old girl from Kummankode in Nadapuram, Kozhikode district, has been diagnosed with Shigella infection, health officials confirmed on Monday. The child has since recovered and been discharged from the hospital. Following the confirmation of the case, the Health Department has expanded preventive and surveillance measures in the area to curb the spread of the disease.

According to officials, the infection was detected after the child developed symptoms consistent with Shigellosis and underwent laboratory testing. The case comes close on the heels of the death of a 54-year-old woman from Mavoor, who was also recently confirmed to have been infected with Shigella.

Kozhikode continues to report the highest number of Shigella infections and related deaths in Kerala. Health authorities said more than 40 cases have been confirmed in the district during June alone, raising concerns about the spread of the bacterial disease.

Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by the Shigella bacteria. The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can become severe if timely medical treatment is not provided. The disease spreads primarily through contaminated water, unhygienic conditions, and spoiled or improperly handled food. Individuals with weakened immunity and young children, particularly those under five years of age, are considered more vulnerable to infection.

Health experts warn that severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications and even death. Symptoms usually appear one to two days after exposure to an infected person, though in some cases they may take up to a week to develop. The infection can also spread through food prepared by an infected individual.

The Health Department has urged the public to maintain strict personal hygiene and ensure cleanliness in their surroundings to prevent transmission. Officials stressed the importance of safe drinking water, proper food handling, and frequent handwashing. They also cautioned that, under certain conditions, the infection could spread rapidly within communities, making early detection and preventive measures crucial.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman