Keralam health department issues alert over Shigella cases, urges public to follow preventive measures
Thiruvananthapuram, June 9
The Keralam Health Department has issued a public health advisory following the reporting of Shigella infection cases in the state and has directed authorities to intensify preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.
According to a press release issued by the office of the Health Minister, the department has asked the public to exercise utmost caution and cooperate with ongoing efforts aimed at preventing further transmission of infection.
The Health Minister stated that preventive activities should be strengthened on a war footing by the health department in coordination with local self-government institutions. The government has already initiated urgent interventions to ensure the quality of drinking water sources and enhance sanitation measures across affected and vulnerable areas.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that primarily spreads through contaminated food and water. Health officials said the disease can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain and vomiting. The department has expressed concern over the vulnerability of children to the infection and has called for increased vigilance among parents and caregivers.
The minister urged people experiencing symptoms associated with the disease to seek medical attention at the nearest health facility without delay. Hospitals across the state have also been directed to ensure adequate facilities and preparedness to manage suspected and confirmed cases.
As part of the preventive strategy, the health department has advised the public to consume only boiled and cooled drinking water, maintain proper food hygiene, and wash hands frequently with soap, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
The government reiterated its commitment to containing the spread of the infection and said all necessary measures are being taken to strengthen surveillance and public health response mechanisms.
The minister appealed to citizens to extend full cooperation to the initiatives being undertaken by the Health Department and local bodies. Stressing the importance of community participation, the minister said public awareness, personal hygiene and collective efforts would play a crucial role in preventing the spread of the disease.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged residents to remain vigilant while adhering to health advisories issued by the government.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Keralam health department acting fast. We have seen how quickly waterborne diseases can spread in monsoon season. But simply advising to boil water is not enough—local bodies must test and treat water sources regularly. Prevention is better than cure always! 👏
I have lived in Kerala for work for 2 years now and the health infrastructure here is generally excellent. But Shigella is nasty—my cousin in the US had it and was hospitalized. Hope the awareness campaign reaches every household, especially in rural areas where sanitation may be a challenge.
Honestly, the government should also focus on proper waste management in tourist-heavy areas like Fort Kochi and Munnar. Contaminated food from street vendors can be a big source. I hope they enforce strict hygiene checks in restaurants too. Better late than never though! 🙏
I appreciate the health minister's call for community participation, but actions speak louder than words. Our local panchayat often ignores water quality complaints. I hope this advisory translates into real action on ground—like regular testing of borewells and proper chlorination. Children are most vulnerable, so we can't take chances.
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