Kerala records fifth brain-eating amoeba death in a month, 11 patients under treatment
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Kerala has reported its fifth death from a rare but deadly brain infection this month.
A 56-year-old woman named Shobhana from Thiruvali near Wandoor in Malappuram district passed away at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) last week. She died two days after another patient, 45-year-old Ratheesh from Sulthan Bathery, succumbed to the same disease.
Earlier in August, two people, including a three-month-old baby, lost their lives to the infection, while a nine-year-old child from Thamarassery died on August 14.
Currently, 11 patients are undergoing treatment for amoebic encephalitis at Kozhikode MCH.
So far this year, health authorities have reported 42 cases in the state.
The disease, caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, is often called the “brain-eating amoeba.” It lives in soil and stagnant freshwater such as ponds, lakes, and wells. The infection enters the body through the nose while swimming or bathing in warm freshwater.
It mostly affects people with weakened immunity and can also enter through open wounds or by inhaling contaminated dust.
Once the amoeba reaches the brain, it causes severe inflammation and destroys nerve cells. Symptoms usually appear within 5 to 10 days and include severe headache, fever, nausea, and sensitivity to bright light.
Doctors emphasise that early diagnosis is critical.
To prevent the infection, people are advised to avoid swimming or bathing in stagnant, warm water during summer. Use of nose clips or keeping the head above water can reduce risks. Additionally, drinking safe, treated water and cleaning wounds promptly can prevent infection from soil or dust.