New Shigella Case Confirmed in Kozhikode as Dengue Toll Rises

Kozhikode: Another Shigella case has been confirmed in Kozhikode district, with the infection detected in a seven-year-old girl residing in Ward 16 of Nadapuram panchayat. The child had been admitted to Nadapuram Government Hospital following severe physical discomfort.

The Shigella infection was confirmed after detailed tests conducted at the hospital. Health Department officials have clarified that the child's condition is currently satisfactory and that there is no cause for concern. Kozhikode continues to record the highest number of Shigella cases in the state, with the latest case taking the district's total tally to 42.

Three people, including two children, have died of Shigella in the district over the past month. With malaria cases also being reported, the Health Department has intensified containment measures in Kozhikode district. Since Shigella spreads mainly through contaminated water and food, authorities have issued strict directives urging the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.

Meanwhile, the state has recorded yet another dengue death — an anganwadi worker died in Chittur. The deceased was identified as Geetha (45) of Palakkad. She died while undergoing treatment for dengue at Chittur Taluk Hospital. A teacher had also died of dengue recently — Jijo Mohan (43) of Karimpuzha. This takes the dengue death toll in Palakkad district alone this year to six.

Four people died of dengue in the district in June alone, and two the previous month. The state recorded 75 new dengue cases just the other day. With containment efforts faltering, infectious diseases continue to spread uncontrolled across the state. Health Minister K Muraleedharan had recently admitted that there had been lapses in sanitation efforts. The rising death toll continues to add to the growing concern.