Kerala, India (REPORTLINE) - Another case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and potentially fatal brain infection caused by free-living amoebae found in contaminated waters, has been reported in Kerala. This marks the fourth such case in the state since May, raising concerns among health officials and the public.
The latest patient is a 14-year-old boy from Payyoli in northern Kerala. He was admitted to a private hospital on July 1, where doctors quickly identified the infection and began treatment, including the use of medicines sourced from abroad. As of July 6, medical staff report that the boy's condition is improving.
This case follows three previous incidents, all involving children, which resulted in fatalities. On July 5, another 14-year-old boy from Kozhikode succumbed to the infection. Earlier, a 5-year-old girl from Malappuram and a 13-year-old girl from Kannur died on May 21 and June 25, respectively.
In response to the outbreak, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an emergency meeting on July 5 to discuss preventive measures. Recommendations include:
1. Avoiding bathing in unclean water bodies
2. Proper chlorination of swimming pools
3. Exercising caution when children enter water bodies
4. Maintaining cleanliness of water sources
5. Using swimming nose clips as a preventive measure
Medical experts explain that the infection occurs when non-parasitic amoebae enter the body through the nose from contaminated water. The disease had previously been reported in Kerala's coastal Alappuzha district in 2023 and 2017.
As health authorities work to contain the spread of this rare but dangerous infection, residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow the recommended preventive measures.
