KOZHIKODE: The district Health Department has issued a high alert in Thamarassery and nearby areas in the wake of the death of a two-year-old child suspected due to an infection caused by Shigella dysenteriae bacteria. The child who succumbed to the disease here on Monday was identified as Ziyan, son of Arshad, of Adivaram in Thamarassery.
According to the authorities, Ziyan was suffering from acute diarrhoea and admitted to Kozhikode Medical College on Sunday. He was first taken to a private hospital in Kaithapoyil on July 18. He was shifted to Kozhikode Medical College on Sunday as his condition worsened.
Health officers suspect that Ziyan was infected by Shigella dysenteriae, which causes acute diarrhoea. Two more children admitted to Kozhikode Medical College are reportedly suffering from acute diarrhoea.
District Medical Officer V Jayashree said it is yet to be confirmed whether the child was infected by Shigella dysenteriae bacteria.
“As per the reports available, all the test results are negative. Hence, the death is considered under the list of probable deaths,” she said. She said the bacterial disease mainly affects children aged less than five and causes acute diarrhoea. “In most of the cases, it is curable. Deaths are reported only in a few cases where the child is malnourished or lack immunity.”