Brain-eating amoeba scare in Kerala: First amoebic meningoencephalitis case reported in Kochi

A 25-year-old woman from Lakshadweep has tested positive for amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kochi, Kerala, marking the district’s first confirmed case. She is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital, with health officials reporting that her condition remains stable.According to media reports, the woman, who resides in a hostel in Kochi, initially experienced fever and headache. Her first two tests were negative for amoebic encephalitis. A third test using wet-mount microscopic examination returned positive. A health official told Manorama News that the woman is “totally stable and recovering well.” The official added that she had visited a resort, but the timeline still needs to be verified to determine the incubation period..Kerala on alert as ‘brain-eating amoeba’ kills 19: Why cases are rising and how to stay safe. Statewide numbers and recent fatalitiesKerala has recorded 153 cases and 33 deaths from amoebic meningoencephalitis this year. The latest death involved a 65-year-old woman from Palathara in Kollam. In October alone, 12 fatalities were reported. Two new cases were confirmed on Friday, and investigations continue to track the disease’s spread.Ongoing researchThe Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is conducting a study across Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam. In October, Kerala confirmed 65 cases. Investigations have linked some infections to washing wounds in pond water, with several Acanthamoeba species isolated from infected patients’ brains, lungs, skin, and corneas..Brain-eating amoeba scare: Kerala on high alert as 17 die; facts, new advisories. Concurrent health alertsAuthorities have also reported H1N1 influenza cases in Kochi, including a CUSAT engineering student from Kalamassery. Contacts are under observation, and officials have assured the public that there is no reason for alarm.What is Amoebic Meningoencephalitis?Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but severe brain infection caused by free-living amoebae such as Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, Sappinia, and Balamuthia mandrillaris. The infection occurs when the amoeba enters the brain via the nose or a perforated eardrum.Mortality rate: Over 97% globallyTransmission: Not person-to-personSource: Stagnant or contaminated freshwater, pond sedimentIncubation: 1–9 daysSymptoms to Watch ForEarly (1–12 days after exposure):Severe headache, high fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neckAdvanced:Confusion, seizures, hallucinations, loss of balance, comaChildren: Loss of appetite, lethargy, unusual behaviourFatality: Often occurs within 5–7 days if untreatedDiagnosis and treatmentConfirmed via PCR testing of spinal fluidTreatment: Combination of five anti-amoebic drugsKerala’s survival rate is currently 24%, higher than the global 3%, due to early detection and aggressive therapy including drugs like miltefosineHow infection occursEntry: Nose during swimming, bathing, or diving in contaminated freshwaterSources: Untreated wells, ponds, rivers, poorly chlorinated poolsNot found: SeawaterExperts warn global warming and increased freshwater use are raising exposure risks.Kerala’s response“Water is Life” chlorination drives in wells, tanks, and public bathing areasFever surveys and environmental water samplingHospitals placed on high alertPublic awareness campaigns warning against swimming in untreated freshwaterPrecautionary measuresAvoid swimming or bathing in untreated freshwaterChlorinate household wells and swimming poolsUse boiled or filtered water for nasal cleansingWear nose clips in freshwaterSeek immediate medical care if fever or neurological symptoms appear after water exposureKerala is confronting a rare but deadly outbreak of brain-eating amoeba infections. While the disease is almost always fatal worldwide, early detection, safe water practices, and rapid treatment remain the state’s most effective defence..How Pakistan’s study shed light on Kerala’s rare brain-eating amoeba case in infant.Kerala on alert as ‘brain-eating amoeba’ kills 19: Why cases are rising and how to stay safe.UAE: Young Indian left unable to walk after meningitis, repatriated ahead of World Meningitis Day.Alert in Kerala’s Malappuram after 3 of a migrant worker family test positive for malaria