Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has reported 146 cases of Shigella infection since January this year, with nearly half of the cases reported in June, Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan said on Tuesday.
Addressing the reporters after chairing a review meeting, Muraleedharan said that 70 of the 146 cases were reported this month alone, indicating a rise in infections across the state.
Kerala has recorded five Shigella-related deaths this year. One death was recorded in March, while the remaining four occurred in June.
Kozhikode reported the highest number of infections, accounting for 74 cases between January and June. Malappuram recorded 25 cases, including two deaths, while Thiruvananthapuram also reported 25 infections during the same period.
No Shigella cases have been reported this year from Pathanamthitta, Palakkad or Kasaragod districts, the minister said.
Health authorities are monitoring the situation and reviewing preventive measures as the number of cases continues to rise.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. It spreads primarily through contaminated food or water and through direct contact with infected individuals.
