Thrissur: In the wake of reported Shigella infection cases in the Thrissur district, a review meeting was convened under the chairmanship of Minister O. J. Janeesh to coordinate preventive and containment measures.
The meeting was attended by District Collector Shikha Surendran, District Medical Officer (Health) Dr. T. P. Sreedevi, officials from the Microbiology Department, Education Department authorities, the District Labour Officer, Food Safety Department officials, and municipal secretaries.
The meeting decided that the Health Department and Food Safety Department would jointly conduct awareness campaigns and distribute hygiene guidelines at hotels, catering units, and other food establishments. A special health squad comprising officials from the Local Self-Government, Health, and Food Safety Departments will be formed to carry out joint inspections at such establishments.
Local Self-Government institutions have been directed to undertake a super-chlorination drive at drinking water sources to ensure water safety. The District Medical Officer has also been entrusted with strengthening disease prevention awareness programmes through private hospitals across the district.
Special awareness programmes focusing on personal hygiene will be conducted for children in schools and anganwadis. Authorities have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with health guidelines issued for educational institutions. The meeting also directed officials to verify that all kitchen staff working in schools and anganwadis under the Women and Child Development Department possess valid health cards. Employees exhibiting symptoms of illness should be temporarily relieved from duty until recovery.
In addition, awareness campaigns and health inspections will be intensified in old-age homes. To prevent the spread of infection among migrant workers, the District Labour Officer will conduct inspections at labour camps and organise sanitation and hygiene awareness programmes.
Officials stated that coordinated efforts involving multiple departments are being strengthened to prevent further spread of the disease and safeguard public health in the district.
