Shigella Outbreak Reported Again in Malappuram; 114 People Show Symptoms

Malappuram: Shigella has been reported again in Malappuram. Following the confirmation of the infection in around eight people yesterday, subsequent screening found symptoms of the disease in 114 people. Most of those showing symptoms had attended a wedding held on October 31 at Korakkuthu in Elamkulam, Perinthalmanna.

The infection has also been confirmed in a four-year-old child who ate snacks from a shop in Amarambalam, Nilambur, and two people who consumed mandi from a shop in Palunda. Around 114 people who attended the wedding are currently under observation after developing symptoms.

The main symptoms include severe diarrhoea, intense abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, nausea and blood in the stool. Food outlets suspected to be linked to the infections have been temporarily shut down.

Preventive measures, including superchlorination of houses and wells in the affected areas, have been intensified. Squads and disease surveillance activities have also been launched in the area under the leadership of the Elamkulam Family Health Centre.

The Health Department has advised people experiencing diarrhoea or other discomfort to avoid self-medication and seek treatment at the nearest health centre. It has also recommended consuming ORS solution and boiled, cooled rice water to prevent dehydration.