Shigella alert in Kerala as cases climb to 267; outbreaks declared in four districts
Kochi: Kerala has confirmed one more case of Shigella infection, with the latest patient reported from Kollam district. Health authorities are closely monitoring the spread of the bacterial infection as the number of cases continues to increase across the state.
According to the latest figures, Kerala has recorded 267 confirmed Shigella infections so far in 2026. Of these, 191 cases were reported in June alone, along with six deaths linked to the infection.
Four districts under outbreak declaration
The state has officially declared Shigella outbreaks in four districts following a surge in infections.
The affected districts are:
- Kozhikode – 65 cases
- Wayanad – 26 cases
- Thrissur – 13 cases
- Alappuzha – 5 cases
Health officials are intensifying surveillance and disease-control measures in these districts to prevent further spread.
District-wise cases reported in June
Apart from the outbreak districts, several other districts also reported confirmed Shigella infections during June.
The district-wise tally includes:
- Malappuram – 30 cases
- Thiruvananthapuram – 18 cases
- Kollam – 13 cases
- Kannur – 11 cases
- Ernakulam – 4 cases
- Idukki – 3 cases
- Palakkad – 3 cases
Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad recorded the highest number of infections during the month.
What is Shigella?
Shigella is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the intestines and commonly spreads through contaminated food, water or poor hand hygiene. It typically causes diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps and, in severe cases, dysentery with blood in the stool.
Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness and complications.
Health authorities urge precautions
Health authorities continue to advise the public to maintain strict hand hygiene, drink safe and clean water, consume properly cooked food and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, fever or dehydration develop.
Officials are continuing surveillance and response measures in affected districts to contain the spread of the infection and prevent additional outbreaks.