The district administration has intensified public health surveillance after cases of Shigella infection were reported, prompting a high-level review meeting chaired by Sports Minister O. J. Janeesh on Tuesday.

Authorities have announced a series of coordinated preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease. Key officials, including the District Collector, health authorities, microbiology experts, and representatives from education, labour, and food safety departments attended the meeting.

A main focus was placed on strengthening hygiene practices in food establishments such as hotels and catering units, where joint inspections and awareness campaigns will be conducted. Special health squads will be deployed to carry out inspections across the district, while local self-government bodies have been directed to undertake super chlorination drives in drinking water sources. Schools and anganwadis will roll out targeted hygiene awareness programmes for children, with strict monitoring to ensure compliance with health guidelines. Kitchen staff in these institutions must possess valid health cards, and anyone showing symptoms will be temporarily removed from duty. The administration will also extend surveillance and awareness drives to old-age homes and migrant worker camps to prevent any potential outbreaks. Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department has ramped up inspections across Thrissur, Chalakudy, Nattika, and Irinjalakuda circles as part of monsoon preparedness.

Around 60 inspections have been completed, with penalties imposed on nine establishments for serious violations. Notices have also been issued to others for minor lapses. Authorities collected 15 food samples for quality testing and conducted strict checks on water tanker services to ensure compliance with safety standards. During inspections, unsafe and expired food items—including ice cream, chicken, and packaged milk—were seized and destroyed. Officials confirmed that stringent inspections under the ongoing ‘Operation Monsoon’ will continue in the coming days.