With three people testing positive for shigellosis following a suspected food poisoning incident at a hotel in Kochi, the Health department has called for safe food habits.

District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr. R. Shahirsha said three people who had sought medical help had been discharged. Shigella cases were reported in patients from Ponnurunni, Malayidamthuruth, and Nettoor on July 15.

Maintaining that that the disease is not fatal and that the public need not panic, he said that people should follow adequate food safety measures.

Among the 15 samples sent for testing, three have returned positive. Food samples taken from the hotel have been sent for testing, and the results are awaited, the DMO said.

A first information report (FIR) was registered against the eatery following a complaint by Tony Peter, a Ponnurunni native. “We ordered food from the restaurant on Friday [July 10, 2026], and by Saturday [July 11, 2026], we fell sick and had to seek medical help. Along with my children, my brother’s children were also admitted to hospital. While we were at the hospital, a few more people who fell ill after consuming food from the eatery were admitted. Subsequently, the hospital alerted the authorities,” said Mr. Peter. Meanwhile, the family’s samples tested negative for Shigella bacteria.

A total of 12 suspected and 79 confirmed cases of Shigella were registered in the State in July. One death was also recorded. Eight deaths have been recorded so far this year across the State.