Another Fever Death in Keralam as Shigella Cases Continue to Surge

Kozhikode: Keralam has recorded another fever-related death, with Sunitha (54), a resident of Paramel, Mavoor, succumbing on Saturday. Sunitha had first sought treatment at a private hospital after developing diarrhoea, but was admitted to the Medical College Hospital after her fever worsened. As she showed symptoms of Shigella, her samples were sent for testing, though the results were yet to arrive. Her condition deteriorated in the early hours of Saturday, and she succumbed to the illness.

Meanwhile, the number of Shigella cases in the state continues to rise, raising concern. Ten more cases were confirmed recently — three in Kozhikode, two each in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Malappuram, and one in Palakkad. An outbreak has currently been declared in four districts: Kozhikode (36), Wayanad (18), Thrissur (11) and Alappuzha (3).

In June alone, 120 Shigella cases were confirmed in the state, along with five deaths, with Kozhikode and Wayanad recording the highest numbers. So far this year, 196 Shigella cases have been reported statewide. Cases were also reported in June from Malappuram (16), Thiruvananthapuram (15), Kollam (8), Idukki (3), Ernakulam (2), Kannur (7) and Palakkad (1).