Kerala shigella scare: All you need to know about the contagious bacterial infection

Kerala is facing a health alert following the death of a four-year-old girl from a Shigella bacterial infection at a Kozhikode medical college. A major cluster has emerged at a school in Wayanad, where two students tested positive and over 300 children sought hospital treatment for symptoms including fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Across the state, approximately 120 cases have been reported. The state health minister is travelling to Wayanad to review the situation alongside medical and local officials. Food safety inspectors have been deployed, and all districts are instructed to monitor symptoms and stock medicines. Shigella is a highly contagious waterborne and foodborne bacteria that primarily affects the gut and can be critical for children under five. While the infection is treated with antibiotics, concerns remain regarding antibiotic resistance. Similar outbreaks have occurred previously in the region, including incidents in December 2020 and March 2026, highlighting recurring issues with contaminated water sources.