Kerala has reported its sixth death in just a month from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but deadly infection caused by the “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri. The latest victim, Shaji, a 47-year-old from Chelembra in Malappuram district, had been admitted to Kozhikode Medical College on August 9, where his condition deteriorated before he succumbed to the infection. Currently, around 10 patients remain under treatment at the same hospital, some in critical condition.
The infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater, soil, and inadequately treated water systems. It enters the human body through the nose, typically while swimming or bathing in contaminated water, and then travels along the olfactory nerve to the brain. The disease is not contagious but progresses rapidly, with early symptoms such as severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and in advanced stages, confusion, seizures, and coma.
In response, the Kerala health department has issued treatment guidelines for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) and launched preventive measures, including chlorination of wells and ponds, monitoring of water sources, and public awareness campaigns. Health experts warn that children and individuals with underlying health issues may face higher risks, and urge residents to avoid bathing in stagnant freshwater, use only clean chlorinated water for daily needs, and take precautions like using nose clips when entering natural water bodies.
Authorities stress that early detection and immediate medical attention are crucial, as the infection often proves fatal within days of symptom onset.
