– Brain-eating amoeba fatalities in Kerala
– Recent deaths linked to brain-eating amoeba in Kerala.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Srinagar, July 05: A heartbreaking incident has shaken the community in Kozhikode, Kerala, as a 14-year-old boy has lost his life to an infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba. This marks the third such fatality in the region since May this year, highlighting the severity of the situation.
According to a report by Business Today, the infection that claimed the young boy’s life was identified as amoebic meningoencephalitis. This rare and often fatal brain infection is caused by a free-living amoeba that is commonly found in contaminated water sources.
The tragic news was confirmed by the Kerala State Health Department, stating that the boy, named Mridul, passed away at 11:20 pm on July 3. Mridul was a bright student studying in class 7 at FarooK Higher Secondary School in Kozhikode.
The ordeal began when Mridul was admitted to a private hospital after experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and headache. Medical professionals diagnosed him with amoebic meningoencephalitis, but unfortunately, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
Prior to falling ill, it was reported that Mridul had taken a bath in a pond, which was later identified as a potential source of contamination. Health officials issued warnings to the public to avoid the pond and urged anyone who had recently bathed there to be vigilant for any symptoms of the infection.
This tragic incident follows the deaths of two other children from Malappuram and Kannur districts earlier this year, who also succumbed to the same brain-eating amoeba infection.
Understanding Amoebic Meningoencephalitis
Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but severe brain infection caused by amoebae, specifically the “Naegleria fowleri” and “Acanthamoeba” species. These amoebae, commonly known as “brain-eating amoebae,” are typically found in contaminated freshwater sources.
The infection occurs when the amoebae enter the body through the nose and migrate to the brain, where they feed on nerve tissue and cause inflammation. It is important to note that this disease is not transmitted from person to person.
Symptoms of amoebic meningoencephalitis usually manifest within 1-9 days after exposure and may include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status, and hallucinations. The disease progresses rapidly and often leads to death within 1-12 days of symptom onset.
Prevention and Caution
Health authorities have issued warnings and advised the public to exercise caution against amoebic meningoencephalitis. It is crucial to avoid swimming or bathing in potentially contaminated water sources to reduce the risk of infection.
Previous cases of the disease have been reported in the coastal Alappuzha district in 2017 and 2023, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by these brain-eating amoebae in the region.
This tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of awareness and prevention measures to protect individuals from such deadly infections.
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– brain-eating amoeba claims life of Kerala boy
– third death in three months due to brain-eating amoeba.