Can amoebic encephalitis spread through wells from houses? Serious concern 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As one more person was diagnosed with amoebic encephalitis in the capital city yesterday, the number of people undergoing treatment at the medical college hospital rose to six. The disease was confirmed on one among the two, natives of Athiyanoor Maruthancode, under observation. The two are in the hospital with symptoms. Their saliva test results will be available today. Five people from Maruthancode and a native of Peroorkada Mannammoola are undergoing treatment. Minister Veena George informed in a press conference that expert treatment is ensured by forming a medical board.

Meantime, the health department confirmed that the source of the virus in the five cases of Maruthancode was the Kavinkulam in the area. The virus reached the brain by inhaling tobacco like intoxicating powders mixed in the water of the pool. The health department conducted a detailed investigation to find out how this disease, which only affected children, reached adults. In the investigation of how the dead contracted the disease, others who may have contracted the disease were found.

So, the others were saved after ensuring treatment when others developed symptoms. The minister said that if there are people who have inhaled the water from the pool in this way, should contact the health workers immediately. However, it is not clear how the native of Peroorkada contracted the disease. Experts concluded that the disease was caused by the water mixed with amoeba from the mud after cleaning the well in the house.

15 sick, study
The case of 15 reported cases of amoebic encephalitis in Kerala are being studied. The study is being conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on the request of the health department. The ICMR has appointed a special team for this purpose. Two of the infected have already recovered. Even if it is not an epidemic, the death rate is more than 97 percent.

Second child leaves hospital in Kozhikode
A four-year-old boy from Karaparambu, who was being treated in a private hospital for amoebic encephalitis, has left the hospital. The boy was admitted in the Baby Memorial Hospital on July 13 with symptoms of high fever and headache. His treatment continued for 24 days. The hospital’s pediatric intensivist Dr Abdul Rouf said that even after leaving the hospital, the medication will have to be continued for a week. It is concluded that the child may have contracted the disease from the pool he bathed near the house. Meantim, a three-and-a-half-year-old boy from Kannur, who was affected by the disease, is still in the pediatric ICU. The doctors said that the child is out of danger.