The Government Ayurveda College in Tripunithura, Kochi, has declared a week-long holiday after more than 25 hostel students fell ill with vomiting and diarrhoea, raising fresh concerns over Kerala's growing Shigella cases.
The outbreak was first reported among students staying in the girls' hostel before similar symptoms emerged among residents of the boys' hostel on Thursday.
The sudden spike in illnesses has prompted health authorities to launch an investigation while precautionary measures have been intensified across the campus.
Water samples collected as officials begin investigation
According to The Print, health officials have collected water samples from the hostels to determine whether contaminated water could be the source of the outbreak.
Authorities have also instructed the college administration to carry out chlorination measures immediately to prevent any further spread of infection.
Medical teams are simultaneously collecting samples from the affected students to establish whether the illnesses are linked to Shigella or another bacterial infection.
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause.
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Kerala remains on alert over rising Shigella infections
The incident comes at a time when Kerala is witnessing a rise in Shigella cases.
According to The Print, the state has reported 91 Shigella infections so far, including five confirmed cases this month alone.
The increasing number of cases has put public health authorities on alert, particularly in educational institutions, hostels and other shared accommodation facilities where infections can spread quickly.
The latest incident in Kochi has further heightened concerns about sanitation and water safety.
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What is Shigella and how does it spread?
Shigella is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the digestive system.
Common symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. In some cases, symptoms can become severe, especially among children, elderly people and individuals with weaker immune systems.
The infection spreads mainly through contaminated food and water or direct contact with infected individuals.
Health experts generally recommend frequent handwashing, consuming safe drinking water, maintaining food hygiene and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely while test results from the affected students and hostel water supply are awaited.
