Shigella Outbreak Deepens in Kerala: Two More Deaths Including a 7-Year-Old, Toll Climbs to 5 This Year Two more people, including a young boy, have died of Shigella infection in Kerala, pushing this year's death toll to 5. The state has now recorded 147 cases in total, 71 of them in June alone. The Shigella infection is fast turning into a serious worry across Kerala. On Monday, the state health department confirmed two more deaths from the disease, taking the total number of people who have lost their lives to Shigella this year to 5. As cases keep rising, the health department says it is keeping a close watch on the condition of those who have fallen ill. A Child's Death Deepens the Alarm The most heartbreaking of the latest deaths is that of a child. Arjav, a 7-year-old boy from Pookkottur in Malappuram district, was being treated at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital and died there on Monday. According to officials, he had been brought to the hospital on June 12 after complaining of fever and diarrhoea, and tests later confirmed that he had a Shigella infection. The second death is that of a 43-year-old man from Kodakara in Thrissur district. The health department confirmed that his death on June 13 was also caused by the same infection. 71 New Cases in June Alone The numbers reveal just how quickly the disease is spreading. According to the Directorate of Health Services, eight fresh Shigella cases were reported on Monday itself, from the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kannur and Kozhikode. The total number of cases in the state this year has now risen to 147, and 71 of these were recorded in the month of June alone, a sign that the pace of infection has picked up sharply in recent weeks. What Exactly Is a Shigella Infection? Shigella is a bacterium that triggers an intestinal infection known as shigellosis. Those who catch it usually suffer from diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. The bacterium spreads mainly through contaminated food, unsafe water and close contact with an infected person. In most cases the infection stays mild, but for weaker patients or people already battling another health problem, it can turn severe and even prove fatal. Surveillance Stepped Up, Key Advice for Residents Following the recent deaths, health officials have tightened surveillance across several districts, including Malappuram. People have been urged to maintain strict hygiene and to use only safe drinking water. Authorities have also warned that anyone noticing symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or blood in the stool should consult a doctor immediately without any delay. What this means for you • Across India: Since Shigella spreads through contaminated food and unsafe water, washing hands, drinking clean water and seeing a doctor quickly at the first sign of fever or diarrhoea are key protections. • In Kerala: With surveillance now stepped up across Malappuram and other districts, residents of these areas should be especially careful about hygiene and safe drinking water. Questions & Answers 1. How many people have died of Shigella in Kerala so far? A total of 5 people have died of Shigella infection in Kerala this year, including the two latest deaths confirmed on Monday. 2. Who were the people who died recently? Arjav, a 7-year-old boy from Pookkottur in Malappuram, and a 43-year-old man from Kodakara in Thrissur both died from the Shigella infection. 3. How many Shigella cases has Kerala recorded this year? The state has recorded 147 cases in total so far, of which 71 were reported in the month of June alone. 4. What are the symptoms of a Shigella infection? It causes diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps, and in severe cases symptoms can include blood in the stool and vomiting. https://trendkia.com/en/health/kerala-men-shigela-ka-kahara-teja-7-sala-ke-bachche-sameta-2-aura-ki-mauta-isa-s-1131 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.