What Is Shigella? Why Kerala Is Seeing A Rise In Cases | Symptoms & Treatment Explained

Published 16 June 2026 · health

What Is Shigella? Why Kerala Is Seeing A Rise In Cases | Symptoms & Treatment Explained Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 20:42 IST

What Is Shigella? Why Kerala Is Seeing A Rise In Cases | Symptoms & Treatment Explained Published By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 20:42 IST Shigella Cases: At least five people have died, and 146 cases of Shigella infection have been reported in Kerala so far this year. Rapid Read Shigella is a group of bacteria that causes shigellosis, a highly contagious intestinal infection that spreads through contaminated food, water and contact with infected individuals. (AI-generated photo) Shigella cases in Kerala: At least five people have died, and 146 cases of Shigella infection have been reported in Kerala so far this year, prompting health authorities to step up surveillance and preventive measures. Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan chaired a review meeting on Tuesday and said one death was reported in March, while the remaining four occurred in June. Of the 146 infections recorded this year, 70 were reported in June alone, indicating a sharp rise in cases. Kozhikode reported the highest number of infections, with 74 cases between January and June. It was followed by Malappuram with 25 cases, including two deaths, and Thiruvananthapuram with 25 cases. No cases have been reported so far this year from Pathanamthitta, Palakkad and Kasaragod districts. What Is Shigella? Shigella is a group of bacteria that causes shigellosis, a highly contagious intestinal infection that spreads through contaminated food, water and contact with infected individuals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Shigella is one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal disease worldwide, particularly among young children.

Why Kerala Is Seeing A Rise In Shigella Cases Like several other communicable diseases, Shigella infections tend to surge in Kerala during the monsoon season, when heavy rainfall increases the risk of water contamination and the spread of waterborne illnesses. Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan has reportedly attributed the rise in Shigella cases to inadequate pre-monsoon sanitation efforts. According to the minister, the state’s annual pre-monsoon cleaning drive was disrupted this year due to the Assembly elections, affecting preparedness ahead of the rainy season. Health Department officials have identified contaminated water as a major factor behind the spread of Shigella and other infectious diseases in the state. According to a report by The Indian Express, officials pointed to poor chlorination of household wells and the proximity of drinking water sources to toilet pits in many residential compounds as key concerns. “Water in open wells in households is not chlorinated. The same compound would have toilet pits, and the chances of water getting contaminated are very high. Water supplied in hotels and restaurants is also contaminated in many cases," a Health Department official told The Indian Express. The risk of contamination increases during the monsoon as rainwater can carry sewage and waste into drinking water sources, creating ideal conditions for the spread of bacterial infections such as Shigella. In response to the spike in cases, the state government has launched a special chlorination drive aimed at disinfecting drinking water sources and preventing further outbreaks.