Woman of Pantheeramkavu tests positive for amoebic infection

KOZHIKODE: One more has tested positive for amoebic infection. A 43-year-old woman from Pantheeramkavu has been confirmed of the disease. She is under treatment at the medical college hospital. A three-month-old baby from Omassery and a youth from Annassery, undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College, were confirmed to have the disease, a few days ago.

Anaya, daughter of Sanoop of Anappara Poyil in Thamarassery, had died of the disease on August 14. She was admitted to the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital with symptoms of fever and vomiting. She was later taken to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, but died. The family came forward alleging medical negligence. Anaya's brother was also confirmed of the disease.

Amoebic encephalitis is a rare disease that occurs on people swimming and bathing in stagnant water. The disease occurs when pathogens such as Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, Sapinia, and Balamuthia vermiforma infect the brain. The amoeba enters the brain through the pores in the thin membrane separating the nose and brain or through a hole in the eardrum, causing meningoencephalitis. It is a disease with a mortality rate of more than 97 percent.