Bacillary dysentery cases rise in Kerala, linked to contaminated water
Kerala is reporting an increase in shigellosis (bacillary dysentery) cases, a highly contagious bacterial diarrhoeal disease, with 34 cases in June alone. Districts like Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Thiruvananthapuram have reported significant numbers. Three more children tested positive in Wayanad, where 514 children showed symptoms. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan stated that 47 people are undergoing treatment, and contaminated well water was identified as a source. Shigellosis is characterized by highly infectious, bloody, and mucoid stools, high fever, and abdominal cramps, spreading rapidly via the fecal-oral route from contaminated water, food, and surfaces.
Key Points
- Kerala has seen a rise in shigellosis, also known as bacillary dysentery, with 34 cases reported in June.
- Contaminated water sources, specifically a borewell and a well in a school, have been identified as highly contaminated.
- Shigellosis is a severe diarrhoeal disease caused by bacteria, leading to bloody stools, fever, and abdominal cramps.
- The infection is highly contagious and spreads through contaminated water, food, and the fecal-oral route.
Exam Facts
- 34 cases of shigellosis reported in Kerala in June.
- Kozhikode reported 11 cases, Wayanad 8, Thiruvananthapuram 6.
- Shigellosis is caused by Shigella bacteria.
- Health Minister K. Muraleedharan provided updates.
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