Kozhikide20 March (H.S.): A suspected outbreak of shigellosis has sparked concern in parts of Kozhikode district after a three-year-old girl succumbed to the infection, while several other children have tested positive in the Kuttikkattoor region.

The child, who was undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, died on Sunday after experiencing high fever and seizures. Doctors initially suspected a severe gastrointestinal illness, but laboratory tests later confirmed the presence of Shigella bacteria, which causes shigellosis. The confirmation prompted health authorities to launch urgent containment measures.

Subsequent contact tracing identified at least 11 children who had been in close contact with the girl and later developed symptoms. Around five more children are currently under observation in different hospitals. Health officials are also examining the possibility of adult infections, raising concerns of a wider community spread.

As part of precautionary steps, an anganwadi in the Anakkuzhikkara area has been temporarily closed. Health teams have intensified surveillance in Kuttikkattoor and nearby areas, carrying out door-to-door visits, sanitation drives, and water quality checks to curb the spread of the disease.

A panchayat-level review meeting held on Friday decided to step up preventive measures. “Door-to-door visits will help identify symptomatic individuals early. Chlorination of water sources and cleaning drives will be intensified,” said Shyma T, an ASHA volunteer from Peruvayal panchayat.

Meanwhile, the district health department has issued a public alert urging strict adherence to hygiene practices. District Medical Officer Dr. K.K. Rajaram said common symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, and, in severe cases, blood in stools.

Authorities have advised residents to use only boiled water and maintain proper hand hygiene, especially among children. Parents have been urged to seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear, stressing that early treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman