Thiruvananthapuram: Communicable diseases are spreading rapidly across Kerala, with Shigella cases witnessing a sharp increase as the monsoon season intensifies. In Wayanad, seven more people have tested positive for the highly contagious bacterial infection, prompting Health authorities to heavily strengthen preventive measures. The surge has put health officials on high alert statewide, with two fresh cases of Shigella also being reported in Kollam on Thursday.

The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) data confirms that there have been 24 deaths due to various communicable diseases in the state since June 1. The data, updated till June 11, also recorded 12 suspected deaths linked to contagious illnesses.

The state has recorded 38 confirmed cases of Shigella infection and one death so far this month, alongside 20 suspected cases. Since January 1, 2026, Kerala has registered a total of 114 confirmed Shigella cases, 80 suspected cases, and two deaths. Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps, spreading primarily through contaminated food or water, or direct contact with infected individuals.

Apart from Shigella, eight cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis (brain fever) and two deaths have been reported in the state this month. So far this year, 133 cases and 33 deaths due to brain fever have been recorded.

Chikungunya cases are also on the rise across Kerala. This month alone, the state has reported 2,161 suspected Chikungunya cases, two suspected deaths, 617 confirmed cases, and three confirmed deaths.

Meanwhile, the highest number of confirmed fatalities among communicable diseases this month has been caused by influenza, which claimed seven lives out of 529 reported infections. Similarly, leptospirosis and Hepatitis A have claimed two lives each, with 88 and 265 confirmed cases, respectively, reported in June.

Health officials noted that while the spread of communicable diseases generally spikes during the rainy season, the surge in certain infections is alarming. "The number of Shigella cases this year has increased substantially. Brain fever cases have also been reported consistently every month for the past year," an official stated.
Adding to the state's health challenges, Kerala also reported a Nipah case in Kozhikode on Thursday.

Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan told reporters at a press conference on Thursday that the department was taking all necessary steps to contain the situation and that it remained under control. He assured that disease prevention and containment measures, along with intensive awareness campaigns, were being carried out in affected areas under the leadership of the health department and local self-government institutions.

According to the minister, a special chlorination drive is currently underway to disinfect drinking water sources. Authorities have urged the public to strictly follow precautionary guidelines issued by the Health Department and maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene. People experiencing symptoms have been advised to seek medical treatment at the nearest health facility without delay.

(with PTI inputs)