10-year-old boy contracts amoebic infection in Alappuzha, source unclear

ALAPPUZHA: A 10-year-old boy from Varanad in Cherthala Thanneermukkom has been confirmed of amoebic meningoencephalitis. The authorities of the health department informed that the condition of the boy undergoing treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital is out of danger. The source of the disease is not clear.

The boy, who was abroad with his parents reached his hometown two months ago. He later stayed at his mother’s house in Pallippuram and in the house in Varanad. The boy, who developed uneasiness, was first admitted at a private hospital. He was shifted to Kottayam Medical College after seeing the symptoms. The health department has issued an alert in the incident. A special alert has been issued in Thanneermukkom and Pallipuram, where the child lived.

Amebic encephalitis is a disease that occurs when the amoeba Naegleria fowleri infects the brain. The amoeba known as the ‘brain-eating amoeba’ is the most dangerous of these. It quickly destroys the brain. The disease usually affects people who dive or swim in stagnant water.

The first case in the state was reported at Tirumala in Alappuzha in 2016. Amoebic encephalitis is not transmitted from person to person. Amoebic encephalitis occurs when the amoeba enters the brain through the pores in the thin layer that separates the nose and brain or through a hole in the eardrum.