Shigella Outbreak Spreads Across Keralam as Nipah Fears Persist

Thiruvananthapuram: The infectious disease situation in Keralam appears to be slipping out of control, with health authorities confirming 10 fresh cases of Shigella across the state. The new cases were reported from Kozhikode (3), Thiruvananthapuram (2), Thrissur (2), Malappuram (2) and Palakkad (1), pushing the state's total Shigella count for the year to 196.

Of these, 120 cases were recorded in June alone. With the government yet to put in place adequate preventive measures or precautionary protocols, five people died of Shigella this month alone.

The Health Department was forced to belatedly declare an outbreak in four districts — Kozhikode (36 cases), Wayanad (18), Thrissur (11) and Alappuzha (3) — where the spread had turned severe. Cases have also been reported from Malappuram (16), Thiruvananthapuram (15), Kollam (8), Kannur (7), Idukki (3), Ernakulam (2) and Palakkad (1), though the administration has yet to mount an effective response in these areas as well.

Nipah Fears Linger as Health Department Remains Indifferent

Even as fears over Nipah persist in the state, the Health Department's response continues to appear lax. The Nipah-infected patient admitted to Kozhikode Medical College remains in intensive care on ventilator support. With government assurances amounting to little more than statements, anxiety is mounting among those on the contact list.

At present, 104 people are on the Nipah contact list — four classified as extreme risk, 14 as high risk and 86 as low risk. However, allegations persist that Health Department officials have failed to ensure adequate protective measures or proper monitoring for those on the list.