Kozhikkode: The emergence of yet another pandemic in Kozhikkode amid the Covid circumstances, has injected fear into hearts of the Public as well as the Authorities who have already been pushed to their limits due to Covid-19.
According to the available sources, the disease has already taken the life of a 11-year-old boy and has also hit around 25 people who were in close contact with the boy. The 11 year old died on Wednesday at the Kozhikkode Medical College where he was admitted following Fever, Stomach ache and Dysentery. Reports say that, at least 25 people who may have either attended the boy’s funeral or had food from his home, have been admitted to various hospitals with similar symptoms of the disease.
Water samples were collected and have been sent for detailed examinations in the lab in order to find out the source of the bacteria. As part of the precautionary measures, all the water bodies in the region was chlorinated on Friday. The Health department has also issued guidelines in order to ensure the safety of the public. A high-level team from the health department visited the Kottamparambu area where Shigella was reported.
What is Shigella?
Shigella is a bacteria that causes the infection Shigellosis. It is a bacteria that is genetically similar to and was once classified as E-coli.
Signs and Symptoms of the disease
Signs and symptoms may range from mild abdominal discomfort to full-blown dysentery characterized by cramps, diarrhea, with slimy-consistent stools, fever, blood, pus, or mucus in stools or Tenesmus. Onset time is 12 to 96 hours, and recovery takes 5 to 7 days. The most common neurological symptom includes seizures.
Transmission
Shigella is transmitted through the fecal-oral route of individuals infected with the disease, whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms.
Prevention
The primary prevention methods are improved sanitation and personal and food hygiene, but a low-cost and efficacious vaccine would complement these methods.
