Thiruvananthapuram, June 9 : Kerala has sounded a public health alert after fresh reports of Shigella infections in parts of the state, prompting the Health Department to order intensified containment and prevention measures on a war footing. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has directed local self-government bodies and health officials to strengthen surveillance, sanitation, and water safety interventions to prevent further spread.
The government has launched urgent measures to ensure the safety of drinking water sources, with special focus on chlorination, inspection of public wells, and strict monitoring of contamination risks. Sanitation drives have been stepped up across affected localities, with instructions to ensure rapid removal of waste and improved hygiene standards in public spaces. Officials said the response mechanism is being coordinated jointly by the Health Department and local bodies, with field-level teams instructed to remain on high alert. Hospitals have also been asked to ensure adequate facilities, isolation readiness, and availability of essential medicines in case of a surge in cases. Shigella infection, caused by bacteria spread mainly through contaminated water and food, typically leads to symptoms such as diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting.