Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Shigella Cases Rise To 12 In Kerala: Doctor Explains Why The Bacterial Infection Is Fatal For Young Kids

Kerala is yet again in the grip of a deadly and highly contagious disease. This time, a fresh outbreak of <span>Shigella</span> (caused by the bacteria <span>shigellosis</span>) has been reported in the southern state’s Kozhikode district. 

Shigella is a fast-spreading bacterium that causes <span>diarrhea</span>, which in some cases can lead to complications including <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/arthritis">arthritis</a></span>, <span>kidney damage</span> , and death. 

In the Kozhikode, Kerala outbreak, at this time, 51 people are under observation, 12 have developed the illness, and one child of three and a half years has died.

The child, who had been undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, passed away on Sunday after suffering from high fever and seizures.

Health officials in the state have identified at least 11 more children who had come into contact with the girl and were subsequently infected.

Around five more children are currently under close observation in various hospitals, with doctors monitoring symptoms and preventing further complications, Onmanorama reported. The health authorities are also investigating whether adults in the area may have contracted the infection, raising concerns about a broader community spread.

As a precautionary measure, the Anganwadi center has been temporarily shut down to prevent further spread of the fatal infection.

<h2>Shigella: Why Are Young Children At High Risk?</h2> 

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Ex-President of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, explained that even a small number of bacteria—as few as 10 —is enough to cause infection.

It is because the Shigellosis bacteria “is able to withstand the hostile acidic environment of the human stomach. Outside the human body, it can stay alive in water for weeks together,” he said.

Shigella is most severe in children below the age of five, as their immune systems are less efficient at clearing the infection early.

“Adults also become ill, but acquired <span>immunity</span> from childhood keeps the infection mild in many instances,” the expert said.

<h2>Shigella Outbreak: How Does It Spread? What Are The Symptoms?</h2>

<ul><li>touching contaminated surfaces or objects </li><li>physical contact with an infected individual </li><li>drinking contaminated water or ice made from unclean water </li></ul>“Shigella outbreaks can occur in crowded places such as anganwadis, where children come into close physical contact with each other and share toys. Very young children also have the habit of putting their fingers in their mouths, which enables the bacteria to gain access to their gut,” Dr. Jayadevan said.

The expert noted that houseflies can also spread the bacteria.

Flies transmit the bacteria from human feces to food, water, and surfaces, contributing to up to 37 percent of cases in some regions, according to a study published in the PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The disease onset occurs typically within 1 to 3 days of ingestion of the bacteria, with fever, diarrhea, body aches, and headache.

Once it involves the large intestine, bloody diarrhea occurs, with severe abdominal cramps.

Dr. Jayadevan said. stressed the need for early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics. 

ORS can help prevent dehydration, while Zinc tablets can enhance recovery. 

Other measures to prevent the risk of spread include: 

<ul><li>Washing hands with soap and water, especially before touching food and also after toilet use </li><li>Food handlers must maintain hygiene </li><li>Control flies</li></ul> 

“A multipronged approach is required, involving sustained sanitation measures and strict attention to clean drinking water supplies, to prevent such outbreaks,” the expert said.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Shigella

Bacterial Infection

Kozhikode Shigella Outbreak

diarrhea

arthritis

kidney damage

shigellosis

immunity

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Kerala is yet again in the grip of a deadly and highly contagious disease. This time, a fresh outbreak of Shigella (caused by the bacteria shigellosis) has been reported in the southern state’s Kozhikode district.  Shigella is a fast-spreading bacterium that causes diarrhea, which in some cases can lead to complications including arthritis, kidney damage , and death.  In the Kozhikode, Kerala outbreak, at this time, 51 people are under observation, 12 have developed the illness, and one child of three and a half years has died. The child, who had been undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, passed away on Sunday after suffering from high fever and seizures. Health officials in the state have identified at least 11 more children who had come into contact with the girl and were subsequently infected. Around five more children are currently under close observation in various hospitals, with doctors monitoring symptoms and preventing further complications, Onmanorama reported. The health authorities are also investigating whether adults in the area may have contracted the infection, raising concerns about a broader community spread. As a precautionary measure, the Anganwadi center has been temporarily shut down to prevent further spread of the fatal infection. Shigella: Why Are Young Children At High Risk? Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Ex-President of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, explained that even a small number of bacteria—as few as 10 —is enough to cause infection. It is because the Shigellosis bacteria “is able to withstand the hostile acidic environment of the human stomach. Outside the human body, it can stay alive in water for weeks together,” he said. Shigella is most severe in children below the age of five, as their immune systems are less efficient at clearing the infection early. “Adults also become ill, but acquired immunity from childhood keeps the infection mild in many instances,” the expert said. Shigella Outbreak: How Does It Spread? What Are The Symptoms? Shigella spreads through: touching contaminated surfaces or objects physical contact with an infected individual drinking contaminated water or ice made from unclean water “Shigella outbreaks can occur in crowded places such as anganwadis, where children come into close physical contact with each other and share toys. Very young children also have the habit of putting their fingers in their mouths, which enables the bacteria to gain access to their gut,” Dr. Jayadevan said. The expert noted that houseflies can also spread the bacteria. Flies transmit the bacteria from human feces to food, water, and surfaces, contributing to up to 37 percent of cases in some regions, according to a study published in the PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. The disease onset occurs typically within 1 to 3 days of ingestion of the bacteria, with fever, diarrhea, body aches, and headache. Once it involves the large intestine, bloody diarrhea occurs, with severe abdominal cramps. Shigella: How To Prevent Dr. Jayadevan said. stressed the need for early recognition and treatment with appropriate antibiotics. ORS can help prevent dehydration, while Zinc tablets can enhance recovery. Other measures to prevent the risk of spread include: Washing hands with soap and water, especially before touching food and also after toilet use Food handlers must maintain hygiene Control flies “A multipronged approach is required, involving sustained sanitation measures and strict attention to clean drinking water supplies, to prevent such outbreaks,” the expert said.