Fourth Case of Rare-Brain Eating Amoeba Disease Reported in Kerala, CM Advises Precautions

Kozhikode: The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan has advised certain precautions, especially for children, after the state recorded three deaths because of amoebic meningoencephalitis within 50 days.

Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is caused by a rare brain eating amoeba and just a few days ago, a 14-year-old boy succumbed to the disease after taking a dip in the pond.

Kerala CM Advises Precautions Amid Rising Cases of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Amid rising cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in the state, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a meeting with top officials including the State Health Minister Veena George.

The Chief Minister has advised precautions, especially for children who are more prone to the disease. According to CM Vijayan, children in the state must avoid bathing in unclean or contaminated water and so much be cautious while entering any kind of water bodies.

Further, the Kerala CM said that swimming pools should be properly chlorinated so that chances of spreading of amoebic meningoencephalitis may be minimised.

Fourth Case Reported in State, 3 Deaths In Last 50 Days

Another case of amoebic meningoencephalitis has been reported from Kerala. A 14-year-old boy, a resident of Payyoli in this north Kerala district, is afflicted with the disease, according to sources in the private hospital where he is being treated.

The first case was reported on May 21 when a five-year-old girl from Malappuram lost her life to this deadly infection.

The second case was of a 13-year-old girl from Kannur, who passed away after contracting the amoebic meningoencephalitis.

The third death was reported a few days ago; a 14-year-old boy who had taken a dip in the pond, passed away because of this rare disease.

What is Amoebic Meningoencephalitis?

Caused by amoeba Naegleria Fowleri which is found in warm freshwater sources, it can enter through the nose and cause brain tissue inflammation.

The symptoms of the amoebic meningoencephalitis include-

• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Altered mental state