While the COVID scare is still prevalent in the country another strange disease spread its claws in God’s own state, Kerala. A disease named ‘Shigella’ has brought terror in the lives of the Kerala people, especially for the ones in Kozhikode district
About 20 people in Kottamparamba and Mundikkal Tajam areas have shown symptoms of this new disease. One person was reported dead due to this disease.
The District Medical Officer (DMO) advised the people to be vigilant in this regard. He said water samples from the Kozhikode area were sent to the laboratory for testing.
The symptoms of this new disease are as follows :
- Fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, etc. are the primary symptoms of Shigella.
- Children under the age of five are more likely to get infected with the disease.
- It is a contagious disease and the chances of contracting the disease are very higher.
- Either direct or indirect contact with an infected person will effect a healthy person
Symptoms appear within 2 to 7 days. In some cases, it may take longer.
Precautions :
- Drink only boiled water.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Eat healthy food.
- Do not defecate or urinate in public places.
- Used diapers should be disposed of properly.
- People with disease symptoms should not cook.
- Cover water and food containers with lids.
- Children with diarrhoea should not be allowed to interact with others.
- People with symptoms need to get rehydrate more often with water, ORS, saline solution and coconut water.