One more student tested positive for shigellosis, a bacterial infection caused by shigella, in Wayanad on Tuesday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to three. Following the outbreak among students of Mar Baselios AUP School at Koliyadi, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan visited those undergoing treatment at Taluk Headquarters Hospital, Sulthan Bathery.
Mr. Muraleedharan visited various wards and interacted with students, including those undergoing treatment with symptoms of the disease, and their parents, to inquire about their condition. He said there was no cause for concern. The Minister also held discussions with doctors regarding the health condition of those undergoing treatment.
Later, chairing a review meeting, Mr. Muraleedharan directed officials to prepare a special protocol for shigella treatment. He also instructed the authorities to conduct stringent inspections at roadside eateries and hotels found to be operating under unhygienic conditions and to ensure strict sanitation standards. The Minister said investigations were under way to identify the source of the infection.
Over the past week, a large number of students from the school sought treatment after developing symptoms including fever, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Officials said as all the students exhibited similar symptoms, treatment for shigellosis had been initiated for those still under medical care, including those whose test results were pending.
Earlier in the day, a meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister T. Siddique decided to chlorinate wells in the surrounding areas of the school on Wednesday. He said inspections and well chlorination would be carried out in all schools across the district.
As some children who had been discharged were later readmitted to hospitals, special monitoring has been put in place for discharged patients. The Minister said the health condition of 35 tribal students who exhibited symptoms continued to be under close observation.
Health department officials said so far 473 people, including 470 students, had developed symptoms of the disease. The other three include one teacher and two parents. Of the total, 158 were admitted to government and private hospitals. Currently, 58 patients remain hospitalised, including 14 at Taluk Headquarters Hospital, Sulthan Bathery, and 44 at private hospitals. Another 163 people are under observation and receiving treatment but do not require hospital admission.
As part of surveillance measures, health workers have contacted 489 people. Among them, 16 family members of symptomatic children were found to be symptomatic and were advised to seek immediate medical treatment.
Published – June 10, 2026 09:51 am IST
