Kerala Battles Multiple Disease Outbreaks: Shigellosis Cases Surge Past 226 This Year

The State of Kerala is witnessing a concerning rise in shigellosis cases, with ten new infections reported on Monday, according to the Health department. This brings the total number of confirmed cases this year to 226, including 150 cases and six deaths recorded in June alone.

The latest cases are spread across multiple districts. Kozhikode reported seven cases from the areas of Thiruvangoor, Vanimel, Omassery, Puthupadi, Cheroopa, and Karassery. One case each was reported from Pizhala in Ernakulam, Thrikkalangode in Malappuram, and Vellamunda in Wayanad.

Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad have recorded the highest number of infections in June. While some districts are seeing scattered cases, ongoing outbreaks have been declared in Kozhikode (49 cases), Wayanad (20), Thrissur (12), and Alappuzha (3). Other districts reporting infections include Malappuram (21), Thiruvananthapuram (17), Kannur (10), Kollam (9), Idukki (3), Ernakulam (3), and Palakkad (3).

In addition to shigellosis, the Health department reported 56 confirmed and 172 probable cases of dengue fever on Monday, along with one dengue death in Kudappanakunnu, Thiruvananthapuram. Leptospirosis cases were also reported, with seven confirmed infections and three probable deaths in Vaniyamkulam, Palakkad, and two cases in Kummil and Veliyam, Kollam.

Two deaths due to Influenza A H1N1 were reported in young individuals aged 38 and 34 from Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram and Kumarampouthur in Palakkad. Furthermore, amoebic meningoencephalitis claimed the life of a 66-year-old in Kulathupuzha, Kollam.

Health authorities are urging the public to maintain hygiene and take preventive measures, especially in affected areas. The state government has stepped up surveillance and response efforts to control the spread of these diseases.