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Recently, shigella bacterial infection has been reported in Kerala
What is it?
- Shigella is a bacterial infection and infection is known as shigellosis.
- It is spread from one person to another person through various means even after the infected person is cured of diarrhoea.
- It takes a small number of bacteria to make someone ill.
- This is not the first time the infection has been reported in Kerala.
- In 2019, the bacteria was found in Koyilandy following which the schools were asked to monitor mid-day meal hygiene.
Symptoms
Symptoms Shigella bacterial infection include diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps which can last for seven days. Treatment is generally done through antibiotics, which can shorten the duration of the illness.
How does it spread?
The Shigella bacteria spreads not only through surfaces touching an infected surface and then touching the mouth but also from eating food prepared by someone carrying the infection.
Who is most affected?
- People of all ages can get infected, children are more susceptible to the infection.
- Those who have reported the infection in Kerala are mostly children.
- People who are travelling are also vulnerable to the infection as they may get exposed to contaminated water during travelling.
- Sexual contact with those infected can also cause the disease.
Source of infection:
Contaminated food, water are the source of the infection.
Prevention:
- Presence of the Shigella bacteria is generally confirmed through a stool test.
- This infection can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene.
- Washing hands properly is known to ward off the bacteria
Difference between virus and Bacteria
Source: Hindustan Times
