Representative image of a blood sample in test tube with cholera written on it.
Credit: iStock Photo
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala, which is already under the grip of various infectious diseases like dengue, witnessed a suspected cholera death on Friday.
A 26-year-old inmate of a care home at Neyyatinkara on the suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram died, while several other inmates are under treatment with cholera-like symptoms.
Health department sources said that cholera infection on a 10-year-old boy under treatment was confirmed, whereas the exact cause of death of the 26-year-old, identified as Anu is still awaited.
Anu hailed from Vithura in the rural parts of the district. He was admitted after showing symptoms of cholera.
In view of the incident, health authorities carried out an inspection at the care home to ensure hygiene. Other inmates of the hostel were advised to go home to curb the chances of an outbreak.
Health Minister Veena George alerted the people to take precautions to avoid spread of the disease.
There has been a spike in communicable diseases in Kerala following the monsoon. Over 800 dengue cases have been confirmed in the state so far in July alone.
Last death by a cholera infection in the state was reported around seven years ago.