13 more shigellosis cases reported in Kerala

Shigellosis cases continued to rise in Kerala with 13 more cases being reported on Saturday, even as health authorities intensified surveillance and containment measures, officials said.

According to a statement issued by the Health Minister’s office, four of the new cases were reported in Kozhikode, three each in Malappuram and Kannur, two in Palakkad, and one in Kollam.

The State has reported five deaths linked to the disease so far this month, while the total number of shigellosis cases recorded in June has risen to 133, the officials said.

Kozhikode and Wayanad continue to account for the highest number of cases reported during June.

At present, shigellosis cases have been declared in Kozhikode (40 cases), Wayanad (18), Thiruvananthapuram (15), Malappuram (19), Thrissur (11), Kannur (10), Kollam (9), Alappuzha (3), Idukki (3), Palakkad (3) and Ernakulam (2), the statement said.

This year, the total number of shigellosis cases reported is 209 and the number of deaths is 6.

Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines and spreads through contaminated food, water or poor hygiene.