Shigella cases ring alarm bells in Thrissur as 10 infections surface in nine days
Shigella outbreak linked to a temple festival in Thrissur triggers health alerts as dengue and leptospirosis cases rise, with warnings on hygiene and rapid response.
Tholur accounts for seven cases; all patients out of danger, says DMO; 39 dengue and four leptospirosis cases also reported in October
Updated - October 17, 2026 04:10 pm IST - Thrissur
The source of infection has been identified as the temple well from which water was taken for rituals.
A cluster of Shigella infections linked to a temple festival has put health authorities in Thrissur on alert, with 10 cases reported in the district in the first nine days of October. Seven of the cases, including that of a seven-month-old child, were reported from Tholur among people who had attended a festival at a temple there.
The suspected source of the infection has been traced to a well at the temple, from which water was drawn for rituals. The well has since been chlorinated, District Medical Officer M. Sujatha said.
“The seven Shigella cases reported from Tholur were among people who attended a festival at a temple in Tholur. The source of infection has been identified as the temple well from which water was taken for rituals. The well has been chlorinated,” Dr. Sujatha said.
Health teams are closely monitoring the situation, while hospitals have been instructed to respond immediately if any further cases are detected. Awareness campaigns have also been conducted in the area, with people advised to seek medical attention promptly if they develop symptoms, she said.
All those who tested positive for Shigella have sought treatment, and most have recovered. The remaining patients are also recovering, according to the DMO.
The other three Shigella cases reported during the nine-day period were from Wadakkanchery, Arimbur and Adat.
The Shigella cluster comes amid a wider surge in fever cases in the district. As many as 4,914 people sought treatment for fever between October 1 and 9. During the period, 39 dengue cases and four cases of leptospirosis were also confirmed.
Dengue cases have been reported from several parts of the district, including Kodakara, Mattathur, Meloor, Thrissur Corporation, Avinissery, Chalakudy municipality, Kaiparamba, Kodassery, Pananchery, Puthukkad, Adat, Alur, Puthur, Mullurkara, Pariyaram, Tholur, Orumanayur, Thalikulam and Choondal.
Leptospirosis cases were reported from Pananchery, Pazhayannur, Porkulam and Kuzhur.
The DMO said a significant number of dengue cases had been detected in migrant labour camps and among their contacts. “Most of the dengue cases have been reported from migrant labour camps and their contacts. We are keeping a close watch on them and monitoring the situation,” she said.
Health authorities have stepped up surveillance and preventive measures across the district. The DMO urged people with fever to take adequate rest, drink sufficient water and consume nutritious food, while vulnerable people, particularly those with compromised immunity, should take extra precautions and seek medical care when necessary.
With Shigella cases emerging in connection with a common gathering and dengue continuing to surface across multiple locations, health officials are keeping a close watch on possible further transmission and urging the public to maintain strict hygiene and food and water safety.
Published - October 10, 2026 07:22 pm IST
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