Shigella | Virulent bacterium
An outbreak of shigellosis in Kerala has resulted in over 200 cases and three deaths since March 2026. The highly contagious, waterborne bacterial infection is primarily transmitted through the faeco-oral route and poses a significant health risk, particularly to children.
Why it matters
Highlights ongoing public health challenges related to sanitation and water safety in South Asia.
Stained, and viewed under a microscope, Shigella is a captivating sight. The rod-shaped bacteria resemble fat, furry cartoon caterpillars. In reality, however, this gram-negative, contagious bacterium, which causes shigellosis, can be remarkably dangerous. Shigella is back in the news, after an outbreak in Kerala that was first detected in late March 2026 and has continued into June. According to the Kerala health department, 132 confirmed cases and about 75 probable cases of shigellosis had been reported till June 12. Three deaths have been linked to the disease this year, two of which were children under five.
The article provides medical and epidemiological facts without editorializing.
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