Shigella cases in Wayanad rise to 8; schools shut till June 14.

The number of confirmed Shigella infection cases in Wayanad has risen to eight after five more students of Mar Baselios AUP School in Koliyadi tested positive for the bacterial disease, health officials said on Wednesday.

The latest infections were detected from samples sent for laboratory testing on June 7. Earlier, three cases had already been confirmed. According to the Health Department, all eight patients are girls aged between five and 11 years, and their condition remains stable.

Health authorities have initiated treatment under the Shigella protocol for all patients who reported symptoms in recent days. A special Health Department team led by Additional Director of Public Health Dr K P Reetha visited the school, nearby residential areas and tribal settlements to assess the situation and strengthen surveillance measures.

As part of the containment efforts, a special chlorination drive has been launched in Nenmeni grama panchayat to ensure the safety of drinking water sources and prevent further spread of the infection.

The developments, closely tracked by Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No.1 Radio Station, have prompted district authorities to intensify precautionary measures across affected regions.

District Collector D R Meghasree has ordered the closure of educational institutions in the affected areas until June 14. The order applies to all schools, madrassas, anganwadis, study centres, tuition centres, hostels and professional colleges located in Nenmeni grama panchayat and adjoining areas of Sulthan Bathery Municipality, Ambalavayal grama panchayat and Noolpuzha grama panchayat. The institutions will remain closed from June 11 to June 14 as a preventive measure.

However, the order does not apply to residential schools and residential colleges. Authorities have directed the managements of such institutions to ensure students do not come into contact with the general public and to immediately shift anyone showing symptoms to a hospital for treatment.

The Collector has also instructed the concerned Tribal Development Officer, local self-government secretary, medical officer and assistant educational officer to coordinate preventive measures and closely monitor the situation.

While students have been granted holidays, staff members may continue attending work. Officials warned that violations of the directions could attract action under Section 65 of the Kerala Public Health Act, 2023, and Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

As an additional precaution, an engineering college in Vadakara, Kozhikode, has also been temporarily closed.

Meanwhile, the district administration has strengthened containment measures across Nenmeni grama panchayat, neighbouring Ambalavayal and Noolpuzha panchayats, and Sulthan Bathery Municipality. Restrictions on mass gatherings have been imposed in Nenmeni for seven days, with residents advised to avoid large events such as weddings, public meetings, protests and fairs during this period.

The Health Department has urged the public to maintain strict hygiene practices, ensure safe drinking water, wash hands regularly, use masks where necessary and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.

Despite the rise in cases, health officials maintain that the outbreak remains under control. Sulthan Bathery Taluk Hospital Superintendent Dr Sindhu said treatment had begun based on clinical symptoms even before laboratory confirmation was received.

“Based on the clinical presentation, we immediately followed the Shigella treatment protocol. After the first two samples tested positive, treatment and surveillance measures were further strengthened,” she said.

Health officials have also indicated the possibility of limited secondary transmission. Three adults have reported symptoms so far, including two new cases. As of Wednesday, a total of 14 patients, including three adults, were admitted to Sulthan Bathery Taluk Hospital for observation and treatment.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with preventive measures aimed at containing the spread of the infection.