Shigella alert in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: The death of Sanusha, 14, of Avanadukka, Perambra, on Sunday is suspected to have been caused by the shigella bacterial infection (shigellosis).

The main sign of shigella infection is diarrhoea, which often is bloody. Shigella bacteria also can be passed through contaminated food or by drinking or swimming in contaminated water.

The girl was initially admitted to Government Taluk Hospital, Perambra, and later shifted to Medical College Hospital here.

Health officials said that the report on the post-mortem of the body was yet to be received. The symptoms were diarrhoea with the presence of blood and fever. Her grandfather and sister also have been admitted to the MCH with similar symptoms. Their condition is stable, said the authorities.

 The results of the chemical examination of the samples may be delayed for three to seven days, said experts.

Those infected with the bacteria develop diarrhoea, stomach pain and fever within a few days.

The health department has started preventive steps in the area. The water samples collected from the well in the home of the girl were sent to the regional laboratory here. The officials also checked the nearby houses for patients with similar symptoms.