Keralam’s Health Department has intensified surveillance and preventive measures after Shigella infections were confirmed in three areas of Malappuram district, news agency Press Trust of India reported. People have been urged to remain cautious.
The district has reported 75 Shigella cases so far this year, including eight cases linked to infected people, District Medical Officer Dr V Vinod said in a statement.
The latest infections were reported from Areekode, Pulpatta and Edavanna. The district-level Rapid Response Team held an emergency meeting to assess the situation and strengthen measures to contain the infection.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoeal illness and mainly affects children. It spreads through contaminated water and stale or inadequately cooked food. Direct or indirect contact with the faeces of an infected person can also transmit the bacteria, the medical officer said, according to Press Trust of India.
Symptoms usually appear within one or two days of infection and include diarrhoea, blood and pus in stools, severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and dehydration. Infected children who show no symptoms can also spread the bacteria through their stools.
Delayed treatment may cause serious complications affecting the brain and kidneys and, in severe cases, lead to death, the medical officer warned.
The Health Department, Local Self-Government Department and Food Safety wing will jointly inspect centres involved in the manufacture, storage and distribution of food. Strict legal action will be taken against establishments that violate safety regulations. Public feasts have also been banned in the affected areas as a precaution.
People have been advised to use only boiled and cooled water for drinking and cooking, and to eat freshly prepared and thoroughly cooked food. They should avoid stale, uncovered and outside food as far as possible. Drinking water sources should be chlorinated regularly, fruits and vegetables washed thoroughly, and food kept covered to prevent contamination by flies and other insects.
The department said people should wash their hands with soap before eating, before preparing food and after using the toilet.
Those with diarrhoea should promptly be given ORS solution, salted rice gruel or tender coconut water to prevent dehydration. People have also been urged to maintain personal and environmental hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear instead of resorting to self-medication.
Health authorities have stepped up inspections and restrictions in the affected areas while advising residents to follow safe food, water and hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the infection.
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