KALPETTA: Two students of Koliadi Mar Baselios AUP School in Wayanad, who were admitted to Sultan Bathery Taluk Hospital following a suspected food poisoning incident, have tested positive for Shigella infection.
The infected children – a four-and-a-half-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl – are among 339 people who have reported symptoms of the infection. Of them, 21 are undergoing treatment at Sultan Bathery Taluk Headquarters Hospital, while 38 others are being treated at private hospitals. Health authorities said none of the patients are in critical condition.
A total of 21 samples were sent for laboratory testing, of which two have returned positive for Shigella. Results of the remaining 19 samples are awaited.
The district medical officer (DMO) has urged the public not to panic, stating that disease surveillance and epidemic prevention measures have been strengthened across the district. People experiencing symptoms have been advised to seek treatment at the nearest health facility without delay. The DMO also warned that children and elderly people are more vulnerable to severe illness.
Meanwhile, Health Minister K Muraleedharan is scheduled to visit Wayanad on Tuesday to assess the situation. A high-level review meeting will also be held in Sultan Bathery. He has directed district health authorities to intensify precautionary measures.
A team of doctors from Kozhikode has been deployed to Wayanad to support local health officials. The minister said unsanitary roadside thatched eateries found violating hygiene standards would be shut down.
What is Shigella?
Shigella is a bacterial intestinal infection caused by the Shigella bacterium. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort. The bacteria attack the intestinal lining, causing inflammation and damage. Health officials cautioned that the infection can spread more rapidly than many other diarrhoeal diseases, making strict hygiene and early treatment essential.