The growing number of suspected cases of shigella bacterial infection sparked panic in Kozhikode district in northern Kerala, but the state health department maintained that there was no need to panic and that experts were working to find the source of the disease. the infection.
Panic gripped the Mayanad area after the death of an 11-year-old boy and the hospitalization of many others with similar symptoms. However, the health department said that only six people had been infected so far and another 26 were suspected cases of the infection. Some of the suspects were later discharged.
“We have started the inspection of all the houses in the affected areas. Initial reports suggest that water contamination led to the infection. We have asked people to drink only boiled water and to maintain strict personal hygiene, ”said Health Minister KK Shailaja. She said food and water samples were collected and sent for detailed laboratory examination.
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District Medical Official V Jayashree said at least 150 people attended the medical camp organized by the health department in the past two days. She said experts are trying to trace the root cause of the infection. Local people also said that some of their water sources became contaminated and they had no idea how it happened.
According to medical experts, the shigella bacteria triggers a infection called shigellosis. Diarrhea, which often contains blood or mucus in the stool, stomach pain, cramps, fever, and vomiting are the main symptoms of the infection. An infected person shows minor symptoms in a day or two, but it may take a week or so to show acute symptoms. Children under the age of 10 are more susceptible to contracting the infection, although the elderly can also become infected, experts said, adding that patients with underlying medical conditions may require large doses of antibiotics.
They said that usually a person becomes infected after drinking contaminated water or stale food. It is very contagious and can also be transmitted after using a common toilet. Although it is a global phenomenon, shigella is seen more frequently in developing countries, especially in populated areas. In some cases, people infected with the bacteria show no symptoms, but they are contagious. Experts have also asked people not to have sex with a person who has recently recovered from shigellosis.
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