Elderly woman dies of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kothamangalam

KOTHAMANGALAM: A 73-year-old woman has died after contracting Amoebic Meningoencephalitis in Kothamangalam. The elderly woman, a native of Nellukuzhi panchayat, was confirmed to have the infection based on a hospital report, according to the Health Department. The woman reportedly began showing symptoms on the 6th of this month. She was a rural employment worker and regularly worked in agricultural fields. Around 20 people who worked with her under the employment scheme were examined, but none showed symptoms of the disease.

The first reported case of amoebic brain infection in Kerala was in 2016 at Thirumala in Alappuzha district. Doctors said amoebic brain infection does not spread from person to person. The infection occurs when amoeba enter the brain through tiny openings in the membrane separating the nose and brain, or through holes in the eardrum, causing meningoencephalitis.

Health experts warned that delayed treatment can worsen the condition and may even lead to death. People experiencing symptoms such as fever and severe headache have been advised to seek immediate medical attention. Authorities have also advised the public to avoid bathing in stagnant or polluted water bodies, as the amoeba can enter the body through the nose when contaminated mud or water is disturbed.