Shigellosis:
More cases of shigellosis (bacillary dysentery) are being reported across Keralam.
- Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial diarrhoeal disease caused by shigella.
- It can affect anyone, but children under five are particularly susceptible.
- It is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhoea worldwide.
- Humans are the only natural reservoir of the Shigella bacteria.
- The disease may be more severe in young children, older adults, immune-compromised individuals or malnourished persons.
- The infection is transmitted through direct, close contact with infected individuals, through the faecal-oral route and through sexual contact.
- It can also spread through contaminated food and water or contact with faeces of an infected person.
- Treatment: Medicines, including antibiotics may be prescribed for a serious infection.
