Shigella Outbreak: Kerala Battles Contagious Bacteria

As of June 12, 2026, Kerala has reported 132 confirmed and approximately 75 probable cases of Shigella, a contagious bacterial infection. The outbreak, first detected in late March, has tragically led to three deaths, including two children under five.

Shigellosis, a diarrhoeal disease caused by the Shigella bacteria, is primarily transmitted through the faeco-oral route. Ingestion of even small amounts of contaminated food, water, or from unclean hands can lead to infection. Globally, Shigella causes millions of infections annually, with young children in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia being particularly vulnerable.

Experts have identified contaminated water and food sources, alongside poor hygiene in communal settings like schools, as the main drivers of the current outbreak. This situation echoes previous shigellosis incidents in Kerala, including outbreaks in 2009, 2020, and 2022.

In response, the Kerala health department has intensified preventive measures. While mild infections often resolve with hydration, severe cases necessitate antibiotics. However, the rise of multi-drug resistant Shigella strains across India necessitates careful antibiotic selection based on local antibiograms.