THRISSUR: Health authorities have stepped up vigil after a student at the Thrissur Government Engineering College tested positive for Shigella bacteria. The authorities have taken samples from two more students for testing, while 37 others who have developed symptoms of Shigella are under observation.
The district medical officer, Dr N K Kuttapan, said that more tests were not essential at this stage. Also, the students are by and large reluctant to get tested.
The college authorities have been directed to keep the girl student who had tested positive, in isolation in the hostel. The remaining symptomatic students have also been advised to remain in the hostel.
Similarly, the hostel canteen has also not been closed as that would force students to depend on outside food, and consequent spread of the disease. He added that the source of infection is being investigated. The students are known to have taken food from the hostel canteen and from outside places. Health and food safety officials had inspected the college, canteen and surrounding areas.
College principal Ranjini Bhattathirippad said the college union arts festival, which was set to take off on Thursday, has been postponed .
