Shigella Confirmed at School in Wayanad; Two Students Test Positive

Bathery: Two students of Mar Baselios AUP School in Koliyadі, Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, have tested positive for Shigella, health authorities confirmed, as the outbreak that began following a midday meal at the school last Wednesday continues to affect hundreds of children.

A total of 303 children aged between four and twelve years sought treatment at various hospitals in Bathery and Ambalavayal until Monday afternoon, having reported symptoms including fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, and dizziness. Around 70 children remain hospitalised and are continuing treatment.

The illness was initially suspected to be food poisoning, but detailed medical examination subsequently pointed to a bacterial infection. Blood and stool samples collected from the affected children were then analysed under the supervision of specialist doctors from Kozhikode Medical College, which confirmed the presence of Shigella bacteria.

The school has an enrolment of 841 children from various parts of Nenmeni panchayat.

The Health Department has directed the affected children and parents who have been in close contact with them to maintain strict precautions and remain under observation. Health authorities have also urged any children, teachers, or parents who are showing symptoms but have not yet sought medical attention to do so immediately.