Shigella cases rise again in Kerala; 23 infections in 6 days, 583 cases this year, 8 deaths

Thiruvananthapuram: Shigella infections are on the rise again in Kerala. As many as 23 cases were confirmed in the first six days of November. On Friday alone, 13 people tested positive for the infection. There were 32 cases in September. So far this year, 583 people have been infected with Shigella, while 116 others are suspected to have contracted the disease. Eight people have died.

In 2025, when the disease was first reported in the state, 132 people were infected. No deaths were reported that year.

Of the 13 cases confirmed on Friday, seven were from Malappuram district and five from Kozhikode. One case was reported from Thalavoor in Kollam.

Among the 23 cases reported in November, 7 were from Malappuram, 6 from Kozhikode and 3 from Palakkad. Two cases each were reported from Thrissur and Kollam, while Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki and Ernakulam reported one case each.

Cases rise again in October

The number of infections surged in June this year, with 205 people testing positive while only 21 cases were reported in June last year. Six of the eight deaths reported this year occurred in June.

Shigella was confirmed in 128 people in July, 50 in August and 32 in September. The declining trend reversed in October, when 69 people were infected.

Of the 132 cases reported last year, 55 were from Kozhikode. Heavy rainfall, flooding and contamination of drinking water sources were the reasons for the spread of the disease in June.

How the infection spreads

The Shigella bacteria are released through the faeces of an infected person. Drinking water can become contaminated through open defecation, uncovered septic tanks and wells located close to toilets. Symptoms include diarrhoea accompanied by fever, blood and mucus in the stool, severe abdominal pain, vomiting and fatigue.