A case of Shigellosis has been reported in Kozhikode, where a 3-year-old girl died following infection. District Health authorities have confirmed that three other children from the same Anganwadi (childcare center) were also affected and required hospitalization. The incident has prompted a public health alert regarding water-borne diseases in the region.
According to reports, the affected children were attending the same Anganwadi. The 3-year-old girl developed severe symptoms like bloody diarrhea and later succumbed to the infection on previous Sunday, the blood report was obtained on Thursday. Three other children showed similar symptoms like diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, vomiting, fatigue, and the presence of blood in stools and were admitted to hospital for treatment.
The Kerala Health Department has issued an alert in the district, emphasizing vigilance against water contamination and hygiene-related risks.
Shigellosis is caused by a group of bacteria known as Shigella. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),2 it is a highly contagious intestinal infection that primarily spreads through:
Contaminated food or water
Poor hand hygiene
Contact with infected individuals
Shigella infections are more common in settings with close contact, such as schools and childcare centers.
As outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms typically begin 1–2 days after exposure and may include:
Diarrhea (often bloody)
Fever
Stomach cramps
Tenesmus (feeling of needing to pass stool even when bowels are empty)
In young children, symptoms can become severe and may lead to complications such as dehydration.1
Children under five years of age are particularly vulnerable to shigellosis due to:
Developing immune systems
Increased exposure in group settings (e.g., anganwadis)
Higher risk of dehydration from diarrhea
Severe infections, if not managed promptly, can become life-threatening.
Following the incident in Kozhikode, authorities have initiated preventive measures, including:
Monitoring water quality
Strengthening hygiene practices in childcare centers
Raising awareness about handwashing and sanitation
The advisory emphasizes early medical attention for children showing symptoms of diarrhea or fever.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, key preventive steps include:
Washing hands with soap regularly
Ensuring safe drinking water
Proper food handling and hygiene
Avoiding contact with infected individuals
The reported case of Shigellosis in Kozhikode underscores the importance of sanitation and early detection, especially in children. With multiple cases emerging from a single anganwadi, health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further spread.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shigella Infection: Signs and Symptoms. Last modified March 14, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/shigella/signs-symptoms/index.html.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Shigella Infection. Last modified January 10, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/shigella/about/index.html.
