A new case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but often fatal brain infection, has been reported in Kerala, with a 17-year-old boy in Thiruvananthapuram confirmed to have contracted the infection.

Following the diagnosis, the health department closed the swimming pool at Akkulam Tourist Village and collected water samples for testing. Authorities noted that the boy had visited the pool with friends the previous day and had taken a bath there.

According to updated data released under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme on the department’s website on September 14, Kerala has recorded 67 cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis this year, with 18 deaths.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George emphasised the urgent need for strict preventive measures to combat amoebic meningoencephalitis, advising the public to be vigilant about water safety and sanitation.

She said, “We have to create a strong defence against amoebic meningoencephalitis. We must ensure that we do not wash our face or take a bath in stagnant or polluted water, including water bodies where cattle are bathed.”

The Minister also said that wells should be scientifically chlorinated, and swimming pools at water theme parks must also be properly chlorinated, with documents regarding maintenance kept safely. “Water storage facilities at homes should be kept clean. The amoeba enters your brain through your nose, so ensure that water does not enter your nose,” she added.

Last week, the state reported its fifth death in a month from the disease. The latest victim, Shobhana, a 56-year-old woman from Vandoor in Malappuram district, died while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

Another patient, Ratheesh, a 45-year-old native of Sulthan Bathery, succumbed to the same disease while under treatment at the same facility.

Source: India Today