Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection: Kerala On Alert After 4 Cases & 3 Deaths

Kozhikode: Kerala is on high alert after a fourth case of a rare amoeba brain infection was reported recently.

Amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters, has resulted in three deaths in the last month and a half in the southern state.

The latest case is that of a 14-year-old boy being afflicted with the disease. According to PTI, he is being treated at a private hospital in Payyoli, Kozhikode district.

It has set the state thinking, with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan chairing a meeting with top officials including the state’s Health minister Veena George.

After the meeting, the CM advised precautions, especially for children who are more vulnerable to the disease.

He has advised that children in the state must avoid bathing in unclean or contaminated water, and be cautious before entering any kind of water body.

Vijayan also instructed concerned department to properly chlorinate swimming pools so that chances of spreading amoebic meningoencephalitis may be minimised.

The first case of amoebic meningoencephalitis was reported on May 21, when a five-year-old girl from Malappuram lost her life after contracting this deadly infection.

The second victim was a 13-year-old girl from Kannur, while the third death was reported a few days ago after a 14-year-old boy had taken a dip in a pond and got infected with this rare disease.