Know About The Shigella Bacteria That Caused The Death Of A 16 Year Old Girl From Kerala After Consuming Shawarma
In a very startling incident from Kerala’s Kasaragod, a popular dish like shawarma proved to be deadly for a 16-year-old. It also led to the hospitalisation of many others. The food poisoning caused due to this led to many speculations. Finally, the Kerala Health Department has given closure to the many questions. The presence of bacteria in the blood and feces of the victims confirmed the cause of this food poisoning. The bacteria known as Shigella was found on every person who had consumed the shawarma from that particular eatery at Cheruvathur in Kasaragod. Here’s what we know about it.
What is the Shigella bacteria and how can you protect yourself from it?
Shigella is a bacterium that belongs to the enterobacter family and is predominantly found in the intestine of a human body. Not all bacteria in the enterobacter family, however, can cause human disease.
Shigella mainly causes diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), the infection spreads easily because even a small amount of the bacteria is enough to make someone ill.
The disease is easily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the patient’s excrement. If you swim or take a bath in contaminated water, you may become infected.
Keep an eye out for these symptoms
Pregnant women and children below the age of five should be protected since it is very prone to affect this group of people.
Symptoms- Diarrhea ( with blood or mucous), fever, severe stomach pain or cramps or nausea, and vomiting.
Need for a doctor?
The need for a doctor arises when a person is suffering from severe diarrhea, up to 20 bowel movements a day. Patients suffering from mild symptoms can wait for two-three days before seeing a doctor.
If an infected person has a fever of 101 degrees (38 degree C) or higher, then they should immediately see the doctor.
Is death common due to Shigella?
According to the doctors, the infection caused due to Shigella generally does not kill. However, if the person has weak immunity, then the bacteria can be life-threatening.
Also Read: Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu Revealed She Has Celiac Disease. Here’s All You Need To Know About The Auto-Immune Disease.
How to protect yourself from it?
Since it is a food and water-borne disease, hygiene should be given utmost importance. Wash your hands frequently, especially before having your meal. Make sure you drink clean water and wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
Store products like milk, chicken, and fish at a proper temperature and cook them well.
