Another fatal case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated water bodies found in Kerala. This accounts for the third case in the southern state since May. A 14-year-old boy was under treatment in a private hospital. On Wednesday, the Kerala health department notified the death of Mridul at 11.20 pm.
Two recent cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala have raised significant health concerns. The first instance involved the death of a five-year-old girl from Malappuram on May 21, followed by the death of a 13-year-old girl from Kannur on June 25. Health department sources indicate that the younger child had taken a dip in a small pond, prompting the implementation of preventive measures to mitigate further risks.
More about the amoeba infection
Medical experts explain that this rare brain infection, known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba. This single-celled organism typically thrives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, and surf parks, particularly those that are poorly maintained or minimally chlorinated. The amoeba can also survive for short periods in warm soil.
Naegleria fowleri infects individuals by entering the body through the nose, usually when people are swimming. It then travels up to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue and causes swelling. This infection is highly lethal and progresses rapidly, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
In the recent Kozhikode case, it is suspected that the 13-year-old girl contracted the infection while swimming in a local river on May 1.
The health authorities have issued warnings to exercise caution when swimming in freshwater bodies and emphasized the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and safety measures in recreational water venues. This advice follows previous reports of the disease in the coastal Alappuzha district in 2017 and 2023, highlighting the recurring nature of this health threat.