Acanthamoeba enters body from DIY swimming pool, borewell water, wounds: Preventive measures

Acanthamoeba has been confirmed as the cause of the amoebic meningoencephalitis cases reported in Alappuzha. Earlier, Naegleria fowleri was detected in all patients admitted with amoebic meningoencephalitis. This fatal bacterium, often found in stagnant water, enters the brain through the nasal passage while bathing in shallow water bodies like rivers and lakes. However, Acanthamoeba is present in freshwater as well as in soil. Besides the eyes and nose, this bacterium enters the body through tiny cuts and wounds. The health department explains this as the reason why some patients were infected, despite not bathing or swimming in lakes or rivers.  

Impossible to trace
The health department has been unable to trace how the amoeba has entered the bodies of some of the patients. One of them had made a DIY swimming pool using rings in front of his house and used it to relax. The authorities assume that Acanthamoeba may have entered his body through the water in the makeshift pool. However, the remaining patients were not found to have bathed or swam in any water bodies. Meanwhile, the health department explains that amoeba could enter the body even if one doesn’t swim in stagnant and shallow water bodies. One would get infected if he/she washes his/her face or take a shower in water containing amoeba. Acanthamoeba, which is also found in soil, could enter the body through wounds or cuts on the skin. Another patient reportedly carried large cans of water from the borewell when he went fishing at the sea. The health department says that the borewell water may contain amoeba, which may have infected the person. 

Preventive measures
The health department has strengthened preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease. Chlorination of public water bodies and wells in houses and offices, as well as awareness campaigns, are being conducted. Although Acanthamoeba is found in soil, they mostly enter the human body through water. So, the health department has been urging the public to chlorinate wells, swimming pools, and other water bodies rigorously. Water samples collected from the patients' homes would be sent for further testing. District medical officer Dr SR Dileepkumar said that chloroscopes that are used to estimate the amount of chlorine in water are available at the health centres in the district. 

Symptoms
Severe headache, fever, vomiting, nausea, difficulty turning the neck and difficulty looking at light are some of the prominent symptoms of amoebic meningoencephalitis. Please seek immediate medical treatment if these symptoms appear. 
Chlorination
The easiest and most effective method of prevention is to chlorinate the wells and tanks that store water. 

How to chlorinate wells  
The first step is to determine the capacity of the well or the tank. 2.5 grams of bleaching powder is required for 1000 litres of water. Mix bleaching powder in a bucket to form a paste, and add water to loosen it. Keep it aside for at least 10 minutes for the water to clear up. Lower the bucket with the clear bleaching solution into the well until it hits the bottom. Repeat this process a few times to thoroughly mix the solution in the water. The well water could be used after chlorination.