KOZHIKODE: After the reporting of falciparum malaria, it is diarrhoea which has put the health wing on its toes and the disease had already claimed two lives in the district. The death of a 12-year old girl at Iringal in Vadakara and that of a 7-year old girl in Thuneri was due to diarrhoea.
“The 12-year old’s death was confirmed. The presence of ‘Shigella Sonnei’ bacteria caused diarrhoea in her. We are waiting for the culture report of the 7-year old to confirm it,” said district medical officer (DMO), Dr R.L, Saritha.
Institute of Maternity and Child Health (IMCH) superintendent at Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Dr Mohan Kumar said many with diarrhoea and dysentery were admitted to the hospital. “Shigella is dangerous as it could affect the brain,” he told DC.
After the reportage of Shigella Sonnei, an emergency meeting of health-wing held at MCH on Saturday had warned against the water-borne diseases. The bacteria, which could come out through the shit of the affected person, would enter into another through water, hands or flies. All eateries were directed to keep hygiene, especially those who handle and prepare food.
“When asked for hot water, almost all eateries would mix plain water and give. This should not be allowed,” alerted the DMO. Flies should be driven away from eateries. Similarly, instructions were provided to schools to keep the children and premises neat and hygiene.
