Fresh case of amoebic meningoencephalitis confirmed in Kerala; infection detected in girl from Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: Yet another fresh case of amoebic meningoencephalitis has been confirmed again in the state. The infection was found in a girl from Malappuram. The disease was detected during tests at the microbiology lab of Kozhikode Medical College. Her samples have also been sent to Thiruvananthapuram for further examination. Health officials said her condition is stable.

A woman, who was under treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis, had died the other day. The deceased is M. Shobhana (56), wife of Vandoor native Raman. She was admitted to Kozhikode Medical College in critical condition last Thursday. Tests in the microbiology lab confirmed the disease. Authorities suspect the infection may have spread through well water, which has since been chlorinated. This is the fifth death due to amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala within a month.

Currently, about 10 people are undergoing treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis at Kozhikode Medical College and the Institute of Maternal and Child Health. Among them, the condition of a patient from Wayanad is said to be serious. In response to the rising number of cases, local bodies and the corporation have intensified preventive measures.

The health department has instructed local self-government bodies to clean stagnant water sources and ponds. They have also directed resorts, hotels, water theme parks, and swimming training centres to chlorinate their water and regularly check chlorine levels to ensure safety.