Wayanad Shigella outbreak: Another child tests positive as second wave looms

Sultan Bathery (Kerala): Shigella has been confirmed in another student from Koliyadi Mar Baselios AUP School, following the arrival of sample test results on Tuesday evening. In what the Health Department assesses as a clear indicator that the outbreak is entering a second wave, two family members of the affected students have now been hospitalised. Meanwhile, 14 others who presented with symptoms were discharged after examination. The spread was identified during active surveillance conducted by Health workers at the students' homes.

Health officials evaluate that if further transmission has occurred, secondary infections among immediate relatives and caregivers are likely to manifest within the next four days. Symptomatic individuals have been directed to seek immediate medical attention at the Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital.

To date, 473 people have sought treatment after developing symptoms. District Medical Officer Dr K Rekha confirmed that this figure includes 470 school students, one teacher, and two family members of the students. Results for 18 more samples are expected within the next two days. Medical teams are currently treating patients under an established Shigella protocol. Authorities have stressed that no cases are critical and there is no need for panic.

Although not yet conclusively proven, the Health Department's preliminary assessment points to one of the school’s water sources as the origin of the outbreak. It is strongly suspected that the bacterial contamination originated from an open well used by children to wash their hands. The borewell water used for drinking and cooking had been tested earlier and found to be uncontaminated. This will be formally confirmed once the final water sample reports arrive on Wednesday.

Out of more than 800 students enrolled at the school, 470 children and one teacher have been affected so far. Among them, 158 children required hospital admission at various stages. As of Tuesday, 58 patients remain admitted across various hospitals—14 at the Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital and 44 in private facilities. An additional 163 children remain under observation but have not required inpatient care.

In response to the scale of the outbreak and the risk of a secondary wave, a dedicated ward has been set up at the Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital. Ministers K Muralidharan and T Siddique visited Wayanad to evaluate the situation. Both ministers reassured the public that the situation is fully under control and there is no cause for alarm.

Symptoms

Key symptoms include diarrhoea (which may or may not contain blood), abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and severe exhaustion.

Mode of transmission

The disease spreads primarily through contaminated food and water, as well as poor hand hygiene before eating.

Prevention and hygiene

The Health Department stresses that prevention is paramount. Immediate medical consultation is advised if anyone experiences severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, blood in stools or signs of dehydration.

Personal hygiene remains the most effective shield. Hands must be washed thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet. Only boiled water should be consumed, and food must be thoroughly cooked. Fruits and vegetables must be washed properly before consumption or cooking. Individuals showing any symptoms must strictly refrain from preparing food.