Kerala reports sixth death from brain-eating amoeba in a month
The disease is caused by amoebas found in stagnant water, soil, cesspools, freshwater lakes and rivers.
The disease is caused by amoebas found in stagnant water, soil, cesspools, freshwater lakes and rivers.
The disease is caused by amoebas found in stagnant water, soil, cesspools, freshwater lakes and rivers.
Kozhikode: Kerala on Thursday reported its sixth death in a month from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but deadly infection caused by brain-eating amoeba.
The latest victim, Shaji (47), a native of Chelambra in Malappuram, succumbed to the disease while undergoing treatment. He was admitted to the medical college in a critical condition on August 9. The source of his infection has not yet been identified.
Last week, Shobhana, a resident of Thiruvali near Wandoor in Malappuram, died at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) after being diagnosed on September 6. Ratheesh, a native of Sulthan Bathery, a three-month-old baby from Omassery in Kozhikode; Ramla, a 52-year-old woman from Malappuram; and a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery are the other victims. Currently, 10 patients are being treated for amoebic meningoencephalitis at Kozhikode MCH.
Doctors warn that the infection, though rare, has emerged as a serious health concern this year with repeated cases being reported across districts. The disease is caused by amoebas found in stagnant water, soil, cesspools, freshwater lakes and rivers.
2 major types of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM): Caused by Naegleria fowleri, it rapidly invades and destroys brain tissue, leading to severe swelling and often proving fatal.
Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE): Triggered by other amoeba species, this form also attacks the brain but usually progresses more slowly.
Health authorities have urged the public to take precautions while using freshwater sources and to seek immediate medical care if symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea or seizures appear.