Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala reported 15 new cases of Shigella infection on Tuesday, with the highest number recorded in Kozhikode, according to the state Health Department.

The latest cases were detected in five districts -- Kozhikode (8), Malappuram (3), Wayanad (2), Kannur (1) and Kollam (1).

With the new additions, the state has recorded 165 Shigella infections and six deaths during June, while 241 people have tested positive for the disease so far this year, a release from the Health Department said.

The department noted that Kozhikode, Malappuram and Wayanad have reported the highest number of cases this month.

It added that outbreaks have currently been declared in Kozhikode (57 cases), Wayanad (22), Thrissur (12) and Alappuzha (3).

Other districts reporting Shigella infections during June include Malappuram (24), Thiruvananthapuram (17), Kannur (11), Kollam (10), Idukki (3), Ernakulam (3) and Palakkad (3).

Shigella is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. It spreads mainly through contaminated food or water, as well as through contact with infected persons.

The Health Department also issued an update on the Nipah situation, saying that 11 low-risk contacts who completed 21 days of observation without developing symptoms had been released from monitoring.

The Nipah patient continues to receive treatment on ventilator support at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, according to the release.