Shigella – Kerala Records Fresh Cases as Health Department Steps Up Prevention Drive
Shigella – Kerala has reported another fatality linked to Shigella infection, along with 12 newly confirmed cases spread across multiple districts, prompting health authorities to intensify disease control efforts across the state.
A 75-year-old woman from Aliparamba in Malappuram district succumbed to the infection on Tuesday, according to official health department figures. With the latest developments, the number of Shigella infections reported in June has climbed to 91, while the death toll has reached six.
Cases Reported Across Six Districts
Among the newly identified infections, Malappuram recorded the highest number with three cases. Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode each registered two fresh infections. Ernakulam and Kannur reported one case each, reflecting the continued presence of the disease across different parts of the state.
Health officials are maintaining close surveillance in affected areas and monitoring the spread of the bacterial infection to prevent further transmission. District-level health teams have also been directed to strengthen awareness campaigns and sanitation measures.
Government Reviews Situation
In response to the growing number of cases, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan chaired a review meeting with district medical officers on Wednesday. The meeting focused on evaluating the current public health situation and identifying additional steps required to contain infectious diseases during the monsoon season.
Following the discussions, authorities decided to observe a statewide three-day “Dry Day” campaign from Friday to Sunday. The initiative is aimed at eliminating conditions that support the spread of disease-causing organisms and improving cleanliness in public and residential spaces.
Statewide Cleaning Campaign Planned
As part of the special campaign, schools will conduct cleaning activities on Friday, government and private offices will participate on Saturday, and households across the state will be encouraged to undertake sanitation efforts on Sunday.
Officials believe that coordinated community participation can significantly reduce health risks associated with poor sanitation and stagnant water accumulation, which often increase during the rainy season.
Focus on Dengue Prevention
Apart from addressing the rise in Shigella infections, the Health Department has also emphasized the need to strengthen preventive measures against dengue. Authorities have instructed local bodies and health workers to ensure that mosquito breeding sites are identified and eliminated promptly.
The minister highlighted that disease prevention efforts must extend beyond a single outbreak and should include broader public health safeguards during the monsoon period.
Pre-Monsoon Gaps Cited as a Concern
Earlier, Muraleedharan acknowledged that several shortcomings in pre-monsoon cleaning operations may have contributed to the recent increase in infectious diseases across Kerala. According to him, scheduled sanitation activities faced disruptions because of election-related engagements, affecting preparedness in some areas.
Health authorities continue to urge residents to maintain hygiene, avoid contaminated food and water, and cooperate with local disease-control initiatives as the state works to contain the spread of infections and reduce health risks during the rainy season.