Wayanad: Seven more individuals have been diagnosed with Shigella infection in Wayanad, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the district to 16, as reported by health authorities on Friday.
Health Department's Response
District Medical Officer (Health) Dr. K T Rekha stated that disease surveillance, preventive measures, and awareness campaigns have been intensified throughout the district. She confirmed that all 16 affected children are in satisfactory condition.
Field-Level Surveillance and Preventive Actions
On Thursday, as part of field-level surveillance, health workers visited 2,227 houses and chlorinated 1,330 wells. A total of 938 ORS packets have been distributed. Authorities have implemented microphone announcements, awareness classes, disease surveillance, and chlorination activities across the district, including areas where cases have been reported, and these efforts will continue in the coming days.
Directives to Healthcare Facilities
The health department has instructed all private hospitals and clinics in the district to inform the district surveillance unit if patients with symptoms suggestive of Shigella infection are detected. Medical shops have also been directed not to dispense medicines without a doctor's prescription to individuals showing symptoms and to report such cases to the nearest government health centre.
Public Health Advisory
Health officials advised that children exhibiting symptoms should minimize contact with others to prevent the spread of infection. People experiencing symptoms have been urged to inform health workers and seek treatment at nearby health centres. The public has been asked to strictly follow the health department's guidelines, maintain personal, food, and environmental hygiene, and avoid self-medication.
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