Thiruvananthapuram: In an alarming development, nearly half of the patients diagnosed with deadly amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala between October 1 and 17 are from Thiruvananthapuram. Of the 41 confirmed cases in the state, 20 belong to the capital district.

Two patients each were reported from Aruvikkara and Pangappara, while one case each was recorded from hospitals in Attingal, Vamanapuram, Vizhinjam, Edava, Parassala, Poozhanad, Achachal, Kulathoor, Mambazhakkara, Nemom, Bharatannur, Anad, Mangalapuram, Rajaji Nagar, Thonnakkal, and Vattiyoorkavu.

Despite the rising number of cases, the state Health Department has yet to determine the source of the infection. Many patients have been saved due to the early detection and advanced facilities at the Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Authorities cautioned that the amoeba can exist in all types of water, and the best preventive measure is to avoid water entering the nose.

Death in Thrissur
A 64-year-old man admitted to the Government Medical College, Thrissur, died from the disease on October 17, bringing the month’s toll to five. Although microscopic examination confirmed the presence of the amoeba in his brain, PCR tests to identify the exact strain reportedly failed.

Of the five deaths this month, three were from Kollam district (Chirakkara, Pattapazhy, and Nilamel), one from Vettam in Malappuram, and one from Thrissur.

Meanwhile, two new cases were confirmed on October 18 — one from Vattiyoorkavu in Thiruvananthapuram, and another from Koduvally in Kozhikode. In September, 41 patients were diagnosed across the state, with 11 deaths reported.