Kerala Health Department Urges Food Safety After Three Shigellosis Cases in Kochi
The Kerala Health Department has advised the public to adopt safe food practices after three people tested positive for shigellosis following a suspected food poisoning incident at a hotel in Kochi.
District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. R. Shahirsha confirmed that the three patients, from Ponnurunni, Malayidamthuruth, and Nettoor, who sought medical help on July 15, have been discharged. He emphasized that the disease is not fatal and urged the public not to panic, while stressing the importance of food safety measures.
Of the 15 samples sent for testing, three returned positive for Shigella bacteria. Food samples from the hotel have been sent for analysis, and results are awaited.
A first information report (FIR) was registered against the eatery following a complaint by Tony Peter, a resident of Ponnurunni. Peter stated that his family ordered food from the restaurant on July 10 and fell ill the next day, requiring hospital admission. He noted that other individuals who consumed food from the same establishment were also admitted. However, samples from his family tested negative for Shigella.
In July, Kerala recorded 12 suspected and 79 confirmed cases of shigellosis, with one death. So far this year, eight deaths due to the infection have been reported in the state.
