Rare Brain Eating Amoeba Found in Kerala: Here’s All You Must Know
Brain Eating Amoeba: Kerala has reported another fresh case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain condition caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters. The latest case involves a 14-year-old boy from Payyoli in northern Kerala, who is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital. This marks the fourth case since May, with three previous cases tragically resulting in the deaths of young patients.
Quick Identification and Treatment
On July 6, doctors at the hospital swiftly identified the brain eating amoeba infection. The boy was immediately treated with medications, including those sourced from abroad. Despite prompt medical intervention, the condition remains extremely serious due to its rapid progression.
Coming as the third death in the state from the rare amoebic infection of the brain, a 12-year-old boy named E. P. Mridul, from the city of Feroke in Kerala, died on July 4 after being under treatment for 3 days. According to sources, he was a class VII student of the Farook Higher Secondary School who had been taken to a government taluk hospital first when he complained of a severe headache and vomiting.
When asked, sources have said that Mridul had bathed in the local pond near Farook College earlier. Being in critical condition since June 24, he was later transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode.
In light of these recent deaths by the same rare infection, the Kerala Health Department is also issuing special guidelines for the treatment of the infection.
Dakshina, 13, of Kannur, died of a similar infection at a private hospital in Kozhikode on June 12. Fadva, 5, of Munniyoor in Malappuram, died at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, on May 20.
About the Infection and its Symptoms
The infection is reported to be caused by Naegleria fowleri, or ‘brain-eating amoeba’ that thrives in lakes, rivers, or any other warm, freshwater bodies. It enters the human body through the nose and affects the brain. The infection leads to the destruction of the brain tissues and swelling. Thus, the main symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, mental blurriness, and even seizures.
The health department has also advised children not to take baths in ponds and lakes, especially those who have infections or open wounds on the face.
Brain Eating Amoeba: Medical Insights
Naegleria fowleri, enters the body through the nose, typically from contaminated water. Once inside, the amoeba travels along the olfactory nerve to the brain, causing severe inflammation. Symptoms such as severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and confusion develop rapidly. Even with the use of antifungal and antimicrobial medications, the mortality rate remains alarmingly high.
Background and Environmental Factors in Kerala
Naegleria fowleri, the brain eating amoeba, is commonly found in warm freshwater environments like lakes, rivers, and hot springs, especially during the summer when water temperatures are higher. It thrives in stagnant or slow-flowing water and can survive in inadequately chlorinated swimming pools, untreated hot tubs, and even in soil. In some cases, infections have been linked to contaminated tap water.
In Kerala, environmental conditions are conducive to the growth and survival of Naegleria fowleri. The state’s tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, creates ideal conditions for the amoeba. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall increases water levels in lakes, rivers, and ponds, leading to stagnant or slow-flowing water where the amoeba can thrive. Traditional activities such as bathing and washing in natural water bodies are common in Kerala, thereby increasing the risk of exposure to contaminated water.
Preventive Measures and Awareness from the Brain Eating Amoeba
Health officials in Kerala are urging the public to take preventive measures seriously to avoid infection by the brain eating amoeba. Proper chlorination of pools, avoiding unclean water bodies, and using nose clips while swimming can significantly reduce the risk of infection. “Everyone should take care to keep the water bodies clean,” emphasized the Chief Minister. Increased awareness and proactive measures are essential to prevent further cases of this deadly infection.
The situation highlights the need for vigilance and education about the dangers posed by the brain eating amoeba. By following safety guidelines and maintaining clean water environments, the risk of amoebic meningoencephalitis can be minimized, protecting both residents and visitors in Kerala.
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