Thiruvananthapuram: The District Medical Officer (DMO) has urged the public to exercise caution against Shigella and other waterborne diseases, stressing the need for strict hygiene and food safety practices. Shigella is a bacterial infection that affects the intestines and spreads through contaminated food and water. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, and severe fatigue. The DMO advised people to seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe diarrhoea, blood in stools, or signs of dehydration.
Health Department Guidelines
The health department also issued guidelines to prevent other waterborne illnesses such as typhoid, diarrhoeal diseases, and Hepatitis A and E. According to the advisory, only boiled and cooled water should be consumed. Untreated water should never be mixed with boiled water. People are urged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before handling food, before eating, and after using the toilet.
Food Safety Measures
Food should be properly cooked before consumption, while fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly in clean water. Drinking water and food items should be stored in covered containers to prevent contamination by flies and other insects. The DMO also stressed that only boiled and cooled water should be used for preparing uncooked dishes, beverages, and ice. Ice prepared under unhygienic conditions should be avoided. Wells should be chlorinated regularly, and chlorinated water should be used for cooking and cleaning utensils.
Managing Symptoms
Individuals showing symptoms of waterborne diseases should refrain from preparing or serving food. They should take adequate rest, drink plenty of boiled water, and consume easily digestible food. Oral rehydration solution should be administered as advised by health workers to prevent dehydration. The DMO cautioned against self-medication and urged those with severe symptoms to seek treatment at the nearest health facility without delay.
Stay updated with the latest Thiruvananthapuram news.
