Seven more cases of Shigella infection have been confirmed among students in Kerala`s Wayanad district, taking the total number of infected children to 16, health officials said on Friday, reported the PTI.
The officials have intensified disease surveillance, awareness campaigns and preventive measures as efforts continue to contain the outbreak.
District Medical Officer Dr K T Rekha said the health condition of all 16 infected students is currently satisfactory.
She advised that children showing symptoms should minimise contact with others to prevent further spread of the infection. Parents have also been urged to seek medical attention immediately if new symptoms develop and avoid self-medication, the news agency reported.
The Health Department has strengthened infectious disease surveillance and stepped up preventive and awareness activities across the district.
Officials have urged residents to strictly follow health advisories, maintain personal hygiene and ensure cleanliness of food, drinking water and surrounding areas.
Cases reported beyond Wayanad
According to the PTI, Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan recently said that new Shigella cases had also been reported from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kozhikode districts.
However, he assured the public that there was currently no need for alarm, as health authorities were closely monitoring the situation.
According to the minister, 578 people had shown symptoms linked to the infection as of June 11, while 55 individuals were receiving treatment in government and private hospitals across the state.
Contaminated well water under investigation
In Wayanad, where most of the confirmed cases involve students from an aided school, health officials detected a significant bacterial presence in the institution`s well water, as per the PTI.
The minister described the water source as contaminated, raising concerns that it may have contributed to the outbreak.
To limit the spread of the infection, the district administration has declared a holiday for schools and educational institutions in affected and adjoining areas until June 14.
Health teams continue to conduct inspections, collect samples and monitor the situation closely.
What is Shigella?
Shigella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the digestive system and can cause diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting.
The infection usually spreads through contaminated food or water, poor hygiene practices, or direct contact with an infected person.
Health officials have advised the public to maintain strict hygiene standards and follow all precautionary measures to prevent further transmission.
(with PTI inputs)
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