Preventive measures started against Shigellosis in Kerala
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Health
In news
Health officials in Kozhikode district of Kerala began preventive measures after 6 cases of shigella infection and nearly 24 suspected cases were detected.
Important value additions
Shigellosis, or shigella infection, is a contagious intestinal infection caused by a genus of bacteria known as shigella.
The bacteria is one of the prime pathogens responsible for causing diarrhoea, fluctuating between moderate and severe symptoms, especially in children in African and South Asian regions.
The bacteria, after entering the body through ingestion, attacks the epithelial lining of the colon resulting in inflammation of the cells and subsequently the destruction of the cells in severe cases.
Symptoms: Diarrhoea (often bloody and painful), stomach pain, fever, nausea and vomiting.
Transmission: It spreads person-to-person when the bacteria is swallowed accidentally.
Spread through contaminated food and water is the most common form of transmission across the world.
Prevention: Wash hands with soap especially after dealing with a child’s diaper and before preparing/eating food.
