Kerala Shigella Outbreak Cases Rise to 133 While All Symptomatic Nipah Contacts Test Negative

Kerala's Shigella outbreak has escalated to 133 confirmed cases in June, with five deaths reported this month, while all symptomatic contacts linked to the state's latest Nipah virus patient have tested negative. The developments have prompted the Kerala Health Department to intensify surveillance, containment measures and public health interventions across affected districts as the monsoon season heightens the risk of infectious disease transmission.

According to official data, 13 new Shigella infections were reported on Saturday, including four cases in Kozhikode, three each in Malappuram and Kannur, two in Palakkad and one in Kollam. The state has recorded 209 Shigella cases and six deaths so far in 2026. Kozhikode and Wayanad continue to account for the highest number of infections, while outbreaks have been declared in 11 districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Kannur, Kollam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Palakkad and Ernakulam.

Health authorities have linked the increase in cases to contaminated water sources, poor sanitation and monsoon conditions that facilitate the spread of waterborne diseases . In response, the state government has launched a statewide anti diarrhoeal disease campaign from June 16 to July 31, focusing on drinking water safety, sanitation, hand hygiene awareness, water quality testing and the distribution of oral rehydration solution and zinc supplements. Officials have also increased public awareness efforts in vulnerable communities and educational institutions.

The outbreak has attracted national attention because of its implications for public health preparedness and disease management. Medical experts have warned that Shigella spreads rapidly through contaminated food and water and poses a greater threat to children, elderly citizens and individuals with weakened immunity.

Meanwhile, Kerala's Nipah surveillance programme has reported no evidence of secondary transmission. The latest test result of a healthcare worker who developed symptoms after being included in the contact list of the infected patient returned negative. With this, all 15 symptomatic contacts identified so far have tested negative for the virus.

The Nipah patient continues to receive treatment on ventilator support at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital . A total of 104 people remain under observation, including four categorised as very high risk, 14 as high risk and 86 as low risk contacts. Health workers visited 81 households in Ramanattukara municipality as part of active surveillance, while teams from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Control continue to assist state authorities in monitoring and containment efforts.