A health alert has been issued following the confirmation of Shigella disease in four children from Malappuram, a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Shigella is a bacterium known primarily for causing diarrhea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
The affected students attend Vennayur AMLP School, where a recent food poisoning incident prompted medical examinations for 127 students who reported symptoms including fever and headache.
While the state health department has assured that the infected children are not facing severe health issues, the situation has raised concerns about public health and sanitation in the area. The food poisoning event occurred approximately two weeks ago, with most examined children showing symptoms but testing negative for Shigella.
To determine the source of the outbreak, samples of food and drinking water from the school have been sent for laboratory analysis. District Medical Officer R Renuka stated that the cause of the disease’s spread would be identified once the food inspection report is available.
Shigella is an intestinal infection primarily transmitted through contaminated water and can cause deadly endemics, especially in the developing world. Symptoms typically include painful bowel movements, high fever, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, and fatigue, lasting between five to seven days. In severe cases, Shigella may result in seizures, confusion, and dehydration, which can then lead to other complications, such as kidney failure. For most people, however, the primary symptoms are bloody diarrhea and a fever that lasts 24-48 hours. A considerable portion of infected people are even asymptomatic with the poisoning.
Adding to the health challenges in Malappuram, a jaundice outbreak has also been reported in other areas of Kerala state. In Athanikallu, 284 cases have been diagnosed, while another 503 people have sought medical attention in Vallikunnu. Tragically, a 15-year-old girl in Chelembra succumbed to jaundice on Sunday, prompting local schools to be put on high alert.
Residents are advised to maintain personal hygiene, consume only safe drinking water, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with Shigella or jaundice.
Commenting on this story, one national food safety attorney said, “The situation in Kerala demonstrates the ongoing challenges in public health management but stresses the importance of swift action in controlling disease outbreaks.”
