The increasing cases of shigellosis infection in Kerala have raised concerns. This is becoming a serious threat to the state. The health department is on high alert. Meanwhile, in view of the situation, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has demanded the state government to take steps on a ‘war footing’ to stop the spread of the infection. He said that cases are being reported from many districts, hence there is a need to be more careful.
The former CM said that the health department and local self-government institutions should jointly implement comprehensive prevention measures. He said that the government should immediately ensure the quality of drinking water sources and intensify the cleanliness campaign. He also appealed to the public to extend full cooperation to the efforts of the health department. He said that in view of the possibility of further spread of the infection, both government agencies and the general public should take precautionary measures.
Vijayan gave advice
Vijayan said that Shigella bacteria spreads mainly through contaminated water and food. Its common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach pain and vomiting. He said that its impact is more on children, hence there is a need to pay special attention to them. He told people to immediately consult a doctor at the nearest health center as soon as symptoms appear.
The opposition leader further said that the health department and the government should strengthen the measures taken to prevent the outbreak of this disease and ensure adequate facilities in hospitals. He said that the spread of this disease can be effectively controlled through preventive measures and scientific treatment.
2 children positive in Wayanad school
Meanwhile, Shigellosis has been confirmed in two students of a school in Wayanad district. These include a four and a half year old boy and a five year old girl. This bacteria is a very rapidly spreading intestinal disease. Health officials said that symptoms related to infection have been found in 339 people. Of these, 21 people are being treated at Sultan Bathery Taluk Headquarters Hospital, while 38 others are being treated at private hospitals.
Officials said that at present the condition of any patient is not serious. He told that a total of 21 samples were sent to the lab for testing. Of these, 2 samples have come positive while the reports of the remaining 19 are yet to come. He said that so far, the results of two samples have come positive, while the results of the remaining 19 samples are awaited.
What is shigellosis?
Now let us know what this infection is. According to medical reports, Shigella infection or Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial disease. It affects the intestines. Due to which there is a risk of severe diarrhea, stomach ache and fever. If the infection is not identified on time, the patient’s condition may become serious. According to reports, small children, elderly people and people with weak immunity are more at risk from this infection. It is included in the major infectious diseases related to diarrhea in the world.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of shigellosis include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and abdominal cramps, which begin 1 or 2 days after exposure to the bacteria. Apart from this, vomiting, nausea, weakness and lack of water in the body are also seen. Shigellosis usually lasts for 5 to 7 days. In some people, especially young children and the elderly, diarrhea can be so severe that it may require hospitalization. It is more common in summer than in winter.
What is the reason?
Shigellosis is spread by swallowing bacteria present in feces or dirty fingers. Not washing hands properly and eating contaminated food can cause this disease. Shigellosis is often found in day care centers, nursing homes, refugee camps, and other crowded places where sanitary conditions are poor.
The infection can spread through dirt, contaminated water or contact with an infected person.
Its outbreak is seen more in places where there is lack of cleanliness.
It also spreads through contact with contaminated food and dirty hands.
How to protect yourself from this infection?
To prevent Shigella, taking care of hygiene is most important.
washing hands regularly with soap and water
One should drink clean and boiled water.
Fruits and vegetables should be eaten only after washing them thoroughly.
It is also important to avoid food items sold in the open.
Children are at greater risk
In most cases, patients recover within 5 to 7 days, but lack of water and electrolytes in the body can make the disease serious. This infection quickly catches children. The risk of this is higher in children, hence to avoid this, parents need to remain alert.
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