How Did a 56-Year-Old Kerala Woman Fall Victim to a Brain-Eating Amoebic Infection?
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Synopsis
In Kerala, a 56-year-old woman has tragically died from a rare brain infection, raising alarm among health officials. This marks the fifth death in one month linked to a deadly amoeba. As health authorities intensify preventive measures, the public is urged to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention for early symptoms.
Key Takeaways
- Five deaths in one month due to brain-eating amoeba.
- Most affected districts are Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad.
- Health Department initiates state-wide water purification drive.
- Public advised to avoid untreated water sources.
- Early diagnosis is crucial for survival.
Kozhikode (Kerala), Sept 8 (NationPress) A 56-year-old woman from Malappuram district has tragically lost her life to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and potentially fatal brain infection, as confirmed by health authorities on Monday.
This unfortunate event has raised the death toll from this deadly brain-eating amoebic infection to five in just one month, amplifying alarm among state health officials.
The victim, identified as M Shobhana, a resident of Wandoor in Malappuram, was in a grave and unconscious state since her admission to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (KMCH) last Thursday, according to local media reports.
Health officials noted that she exhibited symptoms typical of the infection, which escalated rapidly despite aggressive medical intervention.
Just last week, a 45-year-old man from the nearby Wayanad district, Rathesh, who had been receiving treatment at KMCH for over a week, also succumbed to the brain infection.
Data from the health department reveals that the disease has claimed five lives within the last month, including a three-month-old infant and a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery in Kozhikode district during this timeframe.
The most impacted regions reportedly include Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad, which have collectively documented 42 confirmed cases this year.
In light of the escalating number of infections, the Kerala Health Department has enacted the State Public Health Act to enhance preventive measures.
The department has launched a state-wide water purification initiative, urging local authorities to clean wells, water tanks, and other public water resources. Additionally, they have prohibited swimming in untreated or stagnant water sources in the most severely affected areas.
Following the spike in infections in Kerala, particularly in the northern regions, health officials have released a public advisory, emphasizing that early diagnosis is crucial, and that symptoms such as fever, severe headaches, and vomiting after exposure to freshwater necessitate prompt medical attention.
Amoebic encephalitis is a rare yet deadly central nervous system infection caused by free-living amoebae, Naegleria fowleri, also referred to as the brain-eating amoeba, typically found in freshwater lakes and rivers.
This organism can enter the body through the nose during activities like swimming, bathing, or nasal rinsing, rapidly advancing to the brain, where it leads to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Point of View
The recent surge in cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala reflects the need for heightened public health awareness and preventive measures. The deaths of five individuals, including children, underscore the urgency for immediate action and community education to prevent further tragedies. This situation demands a coordinated response from health authorities, local governments, and the public.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis?
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but severe brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, usually found in warm freshwater.
How does one get infected with Naegleria fowleri?
Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, especially during activities like swimming in warm freshwater lakes.
What are the symptoms of PAM?
Early symptoms include fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and stiff neck. Prompt medical attention is crucial.
What preventive measures can be taken?
Avoid swimming in untreated or stagnant water, and ensure proper water purification in public sources.
Is PAM treatable?
PAM is often fatal, but early diagnosis and treatment may improve outcomes. Seek medical help immediately if symptoms appear.
