A seven-year-old child from Pookkottur in Malappuram district died of Shigella infection on Monday, marking the fourth fatality due to the disease in Kerala this year, health officials confirmed.
The deceased, identified as Arjav, passed away while undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital. Officials stated that Arjav was admitted to the hospital on June 12 with fever and diarrhoea and was later diagnosed with Shigella infection.
This is the fourth Shigella-related death reported in the state this year and the third in June alone, according to health officials.
Data from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) reveals that 138 confirmed cases of Shigella infection had been reported in Kerala till June 14. The highest number of cases was recorded in Kozhikode district. Additionally, 77 suspected cases have been reported across the state.
In June alone, 62 confirmed cases and 17 suspected cases of the infection have been recorded. Three fresh confirmed cases were reported on June 14.
Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps. It spreads primarily through contaminated food or water and through contact with infected individuals.
