Condition of Amoebic meningoencephalitis patients improves; Health Minister urges people to be vigilant

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Health Department has reported that the condition of eight individuals currently undergoing treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis in the capital has improved. None of the patients are in serious condition, according to the latest update.

However, the test results from the pond in Nellimood, where the disease was first detected, will be delayed, raising concerns about the source of the infection.

Amoebic meningoencephalitis, which was initially reported in children, has now been confirmed in adults within the state. The first adult case was reported in Akhil (27) from Neyyattinkara, who tragically passed away on the 23rd of last month. Following Akhil's death, five of his friends also fell ill. Subsequently, cases were reported in individuals from Peroorkada and Kannaravila.

Amoebic encephalitis has been confirmed in a woman for the first time in the state. Saranya (24), a resident of Navaikulam, was diagnosed after presenting symptoms at the medical college hospital. She reported having bathed in a stream recently, which may have been the source of her infection. Saranya has since been transferred to the pay ward, as her symptoms are present but not severe. All patients are being treated with a compound that includes medicine imported from Germany.

Health Minister Veena George urged anyone who has bathed in water bodies such as ponds and streams to be vigilant for symptoms and seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms to watch for include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and difficulty turning the neck. The minister emphasized that amoebic encephalitis has a 97 percent mortality rate, making early detection and treatment crucial.