Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 2 (NationPress) The city of Kochi in Kerala has recorded its first incidence of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare yet potentially lethal brain infection, following a positive diagnosis in a 25-year-old woman from Lakshadweep. The patient, residing in a hostel within the city, is presently receiving care at a private hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Health officials revealed that the woman was admitted displaying symptoms such as fever and headache. Although initial tests for amoebic encephalitis came back negative, a subsequent wet-mount microscopic examination confirmed the existence of the amoeba.

“She is completely stable and is showing signs of recovery. We are aware that she visited a resort recently, but we are currently verifying the timeline to ascertain the incubation period,” stated a representative from the Health Department.

This case emerges amidst escalating concerns regarding the spread of this infection throughout Kerala, where there have been 153 reported cases and 33 fatalities associated with amoebic meningoencephalitis this year alone. The most recent reported death was a 65-year-old woman from Palathara, located in Kollam district.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is actively conducting an in-depth study on the disease in Kerala, aiming to identify sources and transmission patterns. Surveys are being executed across four districts—Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam.

In October alone, there were 65 newly confirmed cases, highlighting a concerning surge in infections. Health officials have cautioned that the infection, caused by free-living amoebae typically found in contaminated water sources such as ponds and lakes, can infiltrate the body through open wounds or the nasal cavity.

The state Health Department has recently updated its public health advisory, advising elderly and immunocompromised persons against washing wounds or feet in contaminated water. Investigations into recent cases uncovered that several patients had used pond water for cleaning wounds. A related study on pathogenic and opportunistic amoebae has identified multiple Acanthamoeba species from the brains, lungs, skin, and corneas of infected individuals.

While the specific environmental source in the latest Kochi case is still under investigation, officials have urged the community to practice caution and uphold strict personal hygiene, particularly when dealing with untreated water sources during the post-monsoon period.