Shigella bacterial infection kills 1 in north Kerala, sickens 20; administration alarmed

The new cases were reported in Kozhikode district on Saturday while the death took place two days ago, said district medical officer Dr Jaspreet, reported Hindustan Times.

The ill have been admitted in various hospitals of the district with symptoms like diaorrhea and fever, the report said. Most of the people who have fallen sick had come in direct contact with the deceased, it informed.

Health minister of Kerala KK Shailja has said that a health camp will be set up in the area and an investigation has been launched to find the main source of infection.

The infection spread through contaminated water and food and keeping good hygiene was the first step to contain the spread of the infection, experts have said, the minister added.

This is not the first time shigella bacteria has hit the state. The infection had sickened more than 40 children last year of a school in Keezhppayyur and the bacteria was found in the stool of the infected children. The bacteria was traced to the water tank in the house of two siblings who had been infected but later recovered, the report said.

Shigellosis caused by shigella bacteria is a worldwide problem but is more frequent in developing countries, especially in places with poor sanitation like schools, hospitals, day care centers, etc.

According to the experts, the infection is not deadly but if aggravated the patient can die of dehydration and exhaustion.