Shigella spreads to Malappuram after Kozhikode, 3 cases reported in Nilambur

Malappuram: Shigella infection has been confirmed in Malappuram following cases reported in Kozhikode. The disease has been reported in three people in Nilambur. The infection was confirmed in a 4-year-old girl who ate snacks from a shop in Amarambalam and two people who ate mandi from a shop in Palunda.

The Health Department has issued an alert in the area. 23 people are undergoing treatment for symptoms namely diarrhoea and abdominal pain. The infection can be confirmed in these cases only after the test results are received.

Earlier, three students of Mepayil School in Kozhikode were diagnosed with Shigella. The infection is suspected to have originated from the school's well water. Several children are undergoing treatment with similar symptoms. The District Medical Officer said there was no cause for concern regarding the health condition of those under treatment. The school has been temporarily closed.

What is Shigella?

The disease is caused by bacteria and can even lead to death if proper precautions are not taken. Shigellosis is an intestinal infection caused by Shigella bacteria. Diarrhoea is the main symptom. The disease can become serious if treatment is not received at the right time.

The infection can spread through contaminated water and unhygienic or spoiled food. People with low immunity and children below the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable.

Severe infection can be fatal. Symptoms usually begin one or two days after coming into contact with an infected person. However, symptoms may sometimes appear even after a week, according to the Health Department.

The disease can also spread by consuming food prepared by an infected person. Maintaining personal and environmental hygiene is the key to preventing the infection. The Health Department has warned that the disease has the potential to spread rapidly, similar to Nipah.

Extra care should be taken while handling eggs, meat, milk and fish. Bacteria can survive for longer periods in refrigerated food items.

If symptoms appear, fluids such as salted rice gruel, lemon water and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) should be consumed to prevent dehydration. People should seek treatment at a healthcare centre instead of resorting to self-medication.

How does the disease spread?

Shigella bacteria are released through the faeces of an infected person. The bacteria can contaminate water if defecation takes place in the open, if septic tanks are left uncovered, or if wells or water bodies are located close to toilets. The infection can also spread when a person suffering from diarrhoea prepares food or feeds children without washing their hands after defecation.

Food items, fruits and vegetables on which flies have settled may also contain the bacteria.

How to prevent the infection

• Use toilets for defecation.

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating, after using the toilet and before feeding children.

• Drink only boiled and cooled water. Water should be brought to a rolling boil for five minutes. Do not mix unboiled water with boiled water. Water filtered using a good-quality water filter may also be used.

• Prevent flies from settling on cooked food.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before using them in salads and other dishes.