Kerala Reports 110 Shigella Cases in June, Launches Statewide Health Drive

Kerala is grappling with a sharp rise in Shigella infections amid the monsoon season, prompting the state government to launch an aggressive disease-control campaign as health officials race to contain the spread of the highly contagious bacterial disease. With 19 fresh cases reported on Thursday , the total number of infections recorded in June has climbed to 110 , accounting for nearly 60 percent of the state's 186 cases reported so far this year .

According to the Kerala Health Department, Kozhikode and Wayanad remain the worst-affected districts, reporting 33 and 18 cases respectively. Outbreaks have been officially declared in both districts, while infections have also been detected in Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Kollam, Kannur, Alappuzha, Idukki and Ernakulam. Health experts attribute the surge to monsoon-related contamination of drinking water sources and increased exposure to water-borne pathogens.

Shigella , the bacteria responsible for shigellosis , causes diarrhoea, fever, severe stomach cramps, nausea and dehydration. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water, poor hand hygiene and close contact with infected individuals. While most patients recover with timely treatment and hydration, the infection can become severe among young children, elderly people and those with weakened immune systems. Health officials have reported that the majority of patients are stable and receiving treatment, although a few severe cases have required hospitalization. The outbreak has also been linked to several deaths this year, underlining the need for vigilance.

In response, the state government has launched a statewide anti-diarrhoeal disease campaign from June 16 to July 31 under the slogan "Prevent diarrhoeal diseases, save lives." The campaign aims to strengthen public awareness and improve sanitation practices across Kerala during the high-risk monsoon period.

Authorities have initiated a series of preventive measures, including the disinfection of drinking water sources , regular water-quality monitoring , intensified disease surveillance and scientific waste-management drives. Government hospitals, primary health centres and anganwadis have been stocked with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets and zinc supplements to ensure prompt treatment of diarrhoeal illnesses. Health workers are also conducting awareness campaigns on handwashing, food safety and sanitation practices, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Residents have been advised to drink only boiled or treated water, avoid unhygienic food, wash hands frequently and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever or dehydration occur. Food establishments have been directed to maintain strict hygiene standards, while local bodies are carrying out inspections to prevent contamination of public water sources.

The Shigella outbreak comes at a time when Kerala is also maintaining surveillance for Nipah virus in Kozhikode, creating a dual public health challenge. However, officials maintain that both situations are under control and that intensified monitoring, public cooperation and early intervention will be crucial in preventing further spread of disease during the monsoon months.