Rare amoebic disease confirmed on five, plan to open special ward, 39 under observation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been hinted that amoebic encephalitis is affecting more people in the state. Five are undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with the disease in the capital city. Two more people who came with the symptoms are under observation. The results of their saliva send for testing will be obtained today. The information given by the health department is that 39 people are under observation at Nellimoodu in Neyyattinkara.

Akhil (23) and Sajeev (24) of Nellimoodu, were admitted to the medical college hospital the other day. The two had bathed in the Maruthamkodu pond along with the youth undergoing treatment earlier. A special ICU has been set up as the number of people in the hospital rose to seven. A separate ward will be opened if the number of patients increases.

Meantime, the condition of Nijith (39) of Peroorkada undergoing treatment, continues to be critical. Apart from Nijith, the others undergoing treatment had bathed with Akhil of Athiyannoor Maruthamkodu Kannaravila, who died on July 23 at the Medical College Hospital. As Nijith was brought to the hospital in a critical condition, no information has been obtained.

Akhil (27) died on July 23 after seeking treatment for high fever and headache. The others who bathed with him later sought treatment at the medical college hospital with symptoms. Meantime, the presence of the virus was not detected in the water of the pool, but the health department is asserting that the source of the virus is the pond as it is a common place where all the infected people took a dip. More samples of the bottom water will be collected and detailed testing will be done.