Shigella Strikes Again: Kerala Reports Sixth Death As Cases Continue To Rise

Published 17 June 2026 · health

Shigella Strikes Again: Kerala Reports Sixth Death As Cases Continue To Rise Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 22:26 IST The Health Department also

Shigella Strikes Again: Kerala Reports Sixth Death As Cases Continue To Rise Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 22:26 IST The Health Department also reported 12 fresh cases of Shigella across the state, raising concerns over the spread of the infection. 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) Kerala on Wednesday reported one more death linked to Shigella infection, taking the total number of fatalities from the bacterial disease in the state this year to six, according to Health Department figures. A 75-year-old woman from Malappuram was the latest victim. The Health Department also reported 12 fresh cases of Shigella across the state, raising concerns over the spread of the infection.

Among the new cases was a 62-year-old woman from Koothuparamba in Kannur district. She tested positive for the infection after being admitted to a private hospital with symptoms including diarrhoea and the passage of blood and mucus in her stools. Health authorities said they are investigating the source of the infection. Cases Rise Sharply In June The latest figures come a day after Kerala Health Minister K Muraleedharan said that 146 Shigella cases had been reported in the state since January, with 70 of them recorded in June alone. According to the minister, one death was reported in March, while the remaining five fatalities occurred in June. Kozhikode has reported the highest number of cases this year at 74, followed by Malappuram with 25 cases, including two deaths, and Thiruvananthapuram with 25 cases.

No infections have been reported so far from Pathanamthitta, Palakkad and Kasaragod districts. Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. It spreads mainly through contaminated food or water and through contact with infected individuals. Meanwhile, health officials reported some relief on the Nipah virus front. One more person under observation at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital was discharged after symptoms subsided. Of the nine people admitted from the Nipah contact list, five have now been discharged, while four remain under observation. In view of the rising number of disease cases, the health minister directed healthcare workers and the public to wear masks while visiting hospitals and during episodes of fever. He also called for stronger disease-prevention measures in schools across the state. (With inputs from PTI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.