Wayanad, 21 July (H.S.): Health authorities in Wayanad have confirmed a fresh case of Shigella infection in an engineering college student, prompting intensified surveillance and preventive measures in and around the institution.
The student, who is currently undergoing treatment in hospital, had sought medical care at the Government Medical College Hospital in Mananthavady a few days ago after developing symptoms consistent with a gastrointestinal infection. Laboratory test results, received recently, confirmed that the student was infected with the Shigella bacterium.
Following the confirmation, health officials launched precautionary measures, particularly at the engineering college where the student is enrolled. The infected student resides in the college hostel, raising concerns about the possibility of further spread within the campus.
Authorities said four other students from the same college have also sought medical treatment after developing similar symptoms. Of them, one is a hostel resident, while the remaining three stay in off-campus accommodation. Their samples have been collected for testing, and officials are closely monitoring their condition. No additional cases have been confirmed so far.
In response to the confirmed infection, the Thavinhal Grama Panchayat has stepped up disease-control measures, including health surveillance, sanitation drives, awareness campaigns and monitoring of drinking water and food hygiene in the area. Health officials have also advised students and residents to maintain strict personal hygiene and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, abdominal cramps or vomiting.
The fresh case comes just days after three people in Kochi tested positive for Shigella following a suspected foodborne outbreak linked to a restaurant in the city. Several customers who had eaten at the establishment sought medical treatment after suffering from food poisoning symptoms.
Subsequent laboratory investigations identified the Shigella bacterium as the cause of the outbreak, prompting health authorities to launch an investigation into food safety practices at the restaurant.
Officials have urged the public to maintain food and water hygiene and report suspected symptoms early to prevent further transmission of the highly contagious bacterial infection.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
