Mridul : “Tragic Amoebic Infection Death in Kerala”

KOZHIKODE: Tragedy struck once again in Kerala as another child, identified as Mridul (14) from Feroke in Kozhikode, succumbed to amoebic meningoencephalitis. The young boy passed away last night while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Mridul was admitted to the hospital on June 24 after displaying symptoms of the rare infection. It is reported that he developed these symptoms following a swim in the pond located in the 5th ward of Ramanattukara municipality. This heartbreaking incident marks the third case of children contracting the deadly amoebic infection in the past two months.

Understanding Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Amoebic meningoencephalitis is an exceptionally rare infection that occurs when individuals come into contact with stagnant or running water sources. Scientific research on this particular disease is limited, with statistics indicating that only 2.6 percent of the global population, estimated at 1 million people, are affected by this condition.

The infection is typically caused by Naegleria fowleri, a type of amoeba that targets the brain. This disease is not transmitted from person to person, rather it enters the human body through the delicate skin of the nasal passages, leading to encephalitis and severe brain damage. Free-living amoebas, such as Naegleria fowleri, are commonly found in stagnant water bodies. Individuals can unknowingly introduce the amoeba into their system by swimming or bathing in contaminated water sources.