THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala reported 15 new cases of Shigella infection on Tuesday. Kozhikode reportedly accounted for the highest number.The fresh cases were reported from five districts: Kozhikode reported eight, Malappuram reported three, Wayanad reported two, while Kannur and Kollam reported one case each.With these additions, the state has recorded 165 Shigella infections and six deaths in June so far, while the total number of cases this year has risen to 241, according to an official release.The department said Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad have reported the maximum number of infections this month, news agency PTI reported.Outbreaks have been declared in Kozhikode, which has reported 57 cases, followed by Wayanad with 22 cases, Thrissur with 12 cases and Alappuzha with three cases.Other districts that have reported Shigella infections in June include Malappuram (24), Thiruvananthapuram (17), Kannur (11), Kollam (10), Idukki (3), Ernakulam (3) and Palakkad (3).Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps. It spreads mainly through contaminated food or water and through contact with infected individuals.The health department also provided an update on the Nipah situation, stating that 11 low-risk contacts who completed 21 days of observation without symptoms have been released from monitoring, PTI reported.The Nipah patient continues to remain on ventilator support at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, offcials informed.(With agency inputs)
