Now Reading: Shigellosis resurfaces in Kerala, 3-year-old hospitalised
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Shigellosis resurfaces in Kerala, 3-year-old hospitalised
Shigellosis has resurfaced in Kerala, with a three-year-old child from Kottukal in Thiruvananthapuram admitted to SAT Hospital with the infection. The child had travelled with her family to Nagercoil on August 12…
Shigellosis has resurfaced in Kerala, with a three-year-old child from Kottukal in Thiruvananthapuram admitted to SAT Hospital with the infection. The child had travelled with her family to Nagercoil on August 12 and consumed cold drinks from a wayside vendor. She developed diarrhoea and vomiting the next day and was hospitalised, with the case confirmed on August 18, 2026.
One more case was reported from Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, and three scattered cases from Pazhayannur in Thrissur, Kattipara in Kozhikode and Noolpuzha in Wayanad. Health officials have renewed public warnings, urging caution with food and beverages outside the home, especially during the festival season. As of August 18, the state has reported 441 confirmed cases, 106 probable cases and eight deaths due to shigellosis this year, compared to 133 cases and zero deaths last year.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Kerala's recurring shigellosis outbreaks highlight gaps in water and food safety infrastructure, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. The June 2026 outbreaks, with over 225 cases and six deaths, led to official declarations in five districts, yet sporadic cases continue. Children under five are most at risk, and the current spike from 133 cases last year to 441 already this year suggests systemic issues. The next step is for the health department to strengthen surveillance and source tracking, especially around festival season, when street food consumption rises.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
