Kerala reports 13 new shigellosis cases; state tally reaches 133 in June
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala reported 13 new cases of shigellosis on Saturday, as health authorities intensified surveillance and containment measures, officials said.
According to a statement from the Health Minister's office, four of the new cases were reported in Kozhikode, three each in Malappuram and Kannur, two in Palakkad, and one in Kollam.
The state has recorded five deaths linked to the disease so far this month, bringing the total number of shigellosis cases in June to 133. Kozhikode and Wayanad districts continue to account for the highest number of cases this month.
District-wise breakdown of cases declared in June: Kozhikode (40), Wayanad (18), Thiruvananthapuram (15), Malappuram (19), Thrissur (11), Kannur (10), Kollam (9), Alappuzha (3), Idukki (3), Palakkad (3), and Ernakulam (2).
For the year so far, Kerala has reported 209 shigellosis cases and six deaths.
Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines and spreads through contaminated food, water or poor hygiene. Health officials urge the public to maintain hygiene, drink boiled water, and report symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps promptly.
