Shigella sonnei dominates in Kerala: Key symptoms and preventive measures

Kannur: Sighellosis is a serious bacterial infection that is caused by the germ Shighella. Key symptoms include chronic diarrhea and blood in the stool. Children under the age of five and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to the infection. Although the disease can rarely become life-threatening due to complications such as brain swelling, most cases can be effectively treated with medication and oral rehydration solution (ORS). Early medical intervention, preferably at the onset of symptoms, is crucial.

A stool culture test is used to confirm the presence of the bacteria. Symptoms usually develop within two days of infection and can last for up to seven days.

How does the disease spread?

The bacterium is primarily transmitted through the feces of an infected person. Contamination can occur when toilets are located near wells, rivers, or other water sources and when septic tanks are improperly maintained or left uncovered. The infection can also spread if a person with diarrhea prepares food without washing their hands properly or feeds a child while infected. In addition, flies can carry the bacteria to food, vegetables, and fruits, where the germs may remain active and facilitate further transmission.

Preventive measures

• Always use a toilet for defecation and avoid open defecation.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, before feeding children, and after using the toilet.
• Drink only boiled water. Water should be boiled for at least five minutes before consumption. Ensure that household water filters are functioning effectively.
• Keep food covered and protected from flies.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water, especially those consumed raw in salads.

4 Variants of the disease

Four major species of the Shigella bacterium include Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Shigella dysenteriae, and Shigella boydii. Of these, Shigella sonnei is the predominant strain circulating in Kerala this season.