Kerala Battles Monsoon Disease Surge as Shigella Cases Rise Across State

Kerala’s monsoon-driven surge in communicable diseases has intensified further with a fresh spike in Shigella infections , including a school-based outbreak in Wayanad district, even as health authorities continue containment measures across the state.

Shigella, a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food, water, or contact, causes diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps. Officials have urged strict hygiene practices, safe food handling, and immediate medical consultation for symptoms, warning against self-medication.

Health officials confirmed that seven new Shigella cases were reported among students in a school in Wayanad, taking the total number of infected children there to 16 . The District Medical Officer (DMO) said all infected children are currently in stable condition , while surveillance and preventive measures have been strengthened in the district.

Authorities have linked the outbreak to contaminated well water in the school, prompting intensified sanitation and chlorination efforts. The district administration has also declared a holiday for all schools and educational institutions in affected and nearby areas until June 14 as a precautionary measure.

Across the state, new Shigella cases have also been reported from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Kozhikode , though officials have said there is no immediate cause for panic. Health Minister K Muraleedharan noted that as of June 11, around 578 people were symptomatic and 55 patients were admitted to hospitals across Kerala.

The outbreak adds to Kerala’s broader monsoon health challenge, with rising cases of Chikungunya, influenza, leptospirosis, Hepatitis A, and brain fever , all of which have seen seasonal increases amid heavy rainfall conditions.

Health authorities continue to expand surveillance, awareness campaigns, and water safety interventions to contain the spread of infections across affected districts.