Wayanad, 09 June (H.S.):
Health authorities in Kerala’s Wayanad district have confirmed Shigella infection in two students from a school in Sulthan Bathery, while hundreds of others are being monitored following an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness that initially appeared to be food poisoning.
The infection was confirmed in a four-and-a-half-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl after laboratory testing. A total of 21 samples were sent for examination, of which two tested positive for Shigella, while the results of the remaining 19 samples are awaited.
According to health officials, 339 people, including students and others associated with the school, have reported symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. Twenty-one patients are undergoing treatment at the Sulthan Bathery Taluk Hospital, while 38 others have been admitted to private hospitals. Authorities said none of the patients are in a critical condition.
The outbreak was reported at Mar Baselios AUP School in Koliyadi near Sulthan Bathery, where students began experiencing symptoms last Thursday. The illness was initially suspected to be food poisoning, but detailed medical investigations later pointed to a bacterial infection. The two children who tested positive are currently under observation at the Taluk Hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
The school has been closed for one week as a precautionary measure. Mar Baselios AUP School has 841 students aged between four and 12 years, drawn from various parts of Nenmene Panchayat. Health officials have urged students, teachers and parents experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said there was no reason for public concern and assured that the situation was under control. He said most of those receiving treatment were above eight years of age and noted that Shigella infections tend to be more severe among children below five years.
The minister is scheduled to visit Sulthan Bathery on Tuesday morning to assess the situation and meet affected students. Agriculture Minister T. Siddique, who is in charge of Wayanad district affairs, will also attend a high-level review meeting on the outbreak.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
