Kerala has a new outbreak of bacterial disease shigellosis

SOCIAL – HEALTH

14 JUNE 2026

• Shigellosis is diarrhoeal disease caused by Shigella, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium.
• The disease was first identified by Kiyoshi Shiga in 1897, and the bacterium was later named after him.

Symptoms

• Shigellosis is characterized by fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and bloody diarrhoea (dysentery).
• Some patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Transmission

• The disease spreads mainly through the faeco-oral route through contaminated food, water, or unwashed hands.
• Even 10–100 bacteria can cause infection.

High-Risk Groups

• Children below five years are the most vulnerable to shigellosis.
• The incidence of the disease has also been observed to increase after the age of 40.

Treatment

• Mild infections usually recover with adequate hydration and rest. Severe cases require antibiotic treatment, which should be guided by laboratory testing.

Antibiotic Resistance

• The growing presence of multidrug-resistant Shigella strains in India is a major concern.
• Continuous surveillance and judicious use of antibiotics are essential to ensure effective treatment.