KOZHIKODE: Health officials of Kerala said that at least six people are dead and around 20 are suspected to have been infected by shigella infection in Kozhikode district of Kerala. The infection has been mostly among children, including a 11-years-old kid who reportedly died of the bacterial infection.
Symptoms of Shigella include diarrhea, fever and stomach pain. However, the disease can also be asymptomatic. The bacteria are found to be spread through contaminated food and water. In Kozhikode, most of the cases are limited to Kottaparambu ward within the corporation limits. The health officials have decided to conduct a medical camp over the weekend.
Dr Jayasree V, District Medical Officer, Kozhikode, said that results of stool samples from six patients at Medical College Hospital confirmed to have been infected from shigella. She added that compared to diarrhea, the patient with shigella seems to have stronger symptoms and greater chances that their condition may worsen.