A 14-year-old boy in Kerala succumbed to amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated water, according to state health officials. This marks the third reported fatality from the infection in the state since May.
The boy, identified as Mridul, was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode but passed away on Wednesday night. Health department sources revealed that Mridul had likely contracted the infection called amoebic meningoencephalitis after swimming in a small pond, prompting authorities to initiate preventive measures in the area.
This incident follows the deaths of a five-year-old girl from Malappuram and a 13-year-old girl from Kannur, who tragically succumbed to the same infection in May and June, respectively.
What is Amoebic Meningoencephalitis
Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a severe illness that occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose while swimming or diving in contaminated freshwater. The infection is extremely rare, and fatalities are high.
Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba,” thrives in warm freshwater environments like ponds, lakes, and rivers. It enters the human body through the nose and travels to the brain, causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a condition with a mortality rate of 95-100%.
Kerala’s health department has urged caution, advising people to avoid swimming in stagnant or unclean water bodies. Medical experts recommend using nose clips while swimming in freshwater sources, especially during the monsoon season when the risk of contamination might be higher.
The recent spate of deaths has highlighted the importance of public awareness about this rare but deadly infection.
The community mourns the loss of young Mridul, and authorities are committed to preventing further tragedies by enhancing safety protocols and educating the public about the risks associated with Naegleria fowleri12.
This article aims to inform and raise awareness about the dangers of amoebic meningoencephalitis and the importance of water safety. If you have any further questions or need more information, feel free to ask.
