Kerala: Shigella toll climbs to five; Cases surge over 145

Among the latest victims was a seven-year-old boy from Malappuram district who had been receiving treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital.

Thiruvananthapuram: Two more deaths linked to Shigella infection have been reported in Kerala, pushing the toll to five, as the state records more than 145 cases this year amid heightened health surveillance. Health officials confirmed the latest deaths on Monday as concerns continue over the rising number of infections being recorded across multiple districts.

Among the latest victims was a seven-year-old boy from Malappuram district who had been receiving treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Authorities also confirmed that a 43-year-old person from Thrissur district, who died earlier this month, had succumbed to the same infection.

Kerala reports two more Shigella-related deaths

Health department officials said seven-year-old Arjav, a resident of Pookkottur in Malappuram district, died while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital on Monday.

The child had been admitted to the hospital on June 12 after developing fever and diarrhoea. Doctors later confirmed that he was infected with Shigella.

Officials also confirmed that a 43-year-old resident of Kodakara in Thrissur district, who passed away on June 13, had died due to complications linked to the bacterial infection.

With these confirmations, the total number of Shigella-related deaths reported in Kerala this year has reached five. Four of those fatalities have been recorded in June alone.

Earlier reports from the Directorate of Health Services had stated that Arjav's death was the fourth Shigella-related fatality of the year and the third reported in June. However, following the latest confirmation involving the Thrissur resident, the overall death toll has now risen further.

Shigella cases continue to rise in Kerala

According to data released by the Directorate of Health Services, eight new confirmed cases of Shigella infection were reported on Monday from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kannur and Kozhikode districts.

The total number of confirmed cases reported in Kerala this year has now climbed to 147.

Of those, 71 cases have been recorded in June alone.

Earlier health department data had shown that 138 confirmed cases had been reported in the state up to June 14, with Kozhikode recording the highest number of infections.

Officials had also reported 77 suspected cases across Kerala during that period.

In June alone, 62 confirmed cases and 17 suspected cases had been recorded up to June 14, with three fresh confirmed infections reported on that day.

The latest figures indicate that the number of infections has continued to increase over the past few days.

What is Shigella infection?

Shigella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the digestive system.

The infection commonly causes symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps.

According to health authorities, Shigella spreads mainly through contaminated food or water. It can also spread through direct contact with an infected person.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation as new cases emerge from different parts of the state.