THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala reported another death due to Shigella infection on Wednesday, raising concerns over the spread of communicable diseases across the state amid a surge in fever, dengue and leptospirosis cases.
A 75-year-old woman from Aliparamba in Malappuram district succumbed to the infection on Tuesday. Health authorities also confirmed 12 new Shigella cases on Wednesday. Among the latest patients are an elderly couple from Arimpur in Thrissur district and a 62-year-old woman from Kannur.
With the fresh cases, the number of Shigella infections reported in the state over the past 17 days has risen to 91.
Meanwhile, dengue fever cases continued to climb, with 105 new infections reported in a single day. The total number of dengue cases recorded in Kerala this month has now reached 1,029.
The Health Department also confirmed 19 new cases of leptospirosis. The disease has claimed 22 lives in the state so far this year, according to official data.
The overall burden of seasonal illnesses remains high, with the number of fever patients across Kerala crossing 10,000. On Wednesday alone, 12,191 people sought treatment at hospitals for fever-related ailments.
In view of the increasing spread of infectious diseases, the Health Department has directed local bodies and residents to observe a three-day “dry day” campaign aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding sources and improving sanitation measures.
Health officials have urged the public to maintain hygiene, avoid stagnant water accumulation, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or severe body pain develop.
