08/06/2026
: scare in : two schoolchildren test positive, health department issues alert
Health authorities have sounded a high alert in after infection was confirmed in two children who were undergoing treatment following complaints of vomiting and diarrhoea in Sulthan Bathery.
The infected children are students of Mar Baselios School.
According to health officials, hundreds of students from the school had reported similar symptoms last week, triggering concern among parents and local residents.
As many as 337 students who experienced physical discomfort were treated at various hospitals in and around Sulthan Bathery after symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain were reported on Thursday.
Following laboratory examinations, two of the samples tested positive for Shigella, a highly contagious bacterial infection that spreads mainly through contaminated food and water or poor hygiene conditions.
The development comes amid a wider rise in Shigella cases across the state.
On Monday, June 8, the state health department confirmed that eight fresh cases had been reported from different districts.
According to official figures, two cases each were reported from , , and .
With the latest infections, the number of confirmed Shigella cases reported in the state during June has risen to 18.
One death linked to the infection has also been reported during the same period, intensifying health concerns.
Health department officials have directed district surveillance teams to strengthen preventive measures, especially in educational institutions and densely populated areas.
Water sources and food preparation facilities connected to the affected school are also being examined.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or dehydration are noticed, particularly among children.
Meanwhile, preventive instructions including strict hygiene practices, handwashing and consumption of boiled water have been issued as part of containment efforts.