Brain-eating amoeba outbreak in Kerala: Causes, symptoms, tips to prevent Amoebic Encephalitis

A rare “brain-eating amoeba” has been linked to the tragic death of a young girl in Kerala. Here’s what you need to know about this deadly infection and how to protect yourself.(Image: Pexels)

Kerala is facing severe health concerns after reporting the fifth death in a month from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and fatal brain infection.

The latest victim, 56-year-old Shobhana from Vandoor in Malappuram district, passed away on Thursday while receiving treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

Her death came just two days after another patient, 45-year-old Ratheesh from Sulthan Bathery, died at the same hospital. Health officials noted that Ratheesh had pre-existing heart problems in addition to the infection, according to an India Today report.

With these two fatalities, the total death toll from the disease has risen to five since early August. Authorities confirmed that 11 more patients showing symptoms are currently under treatment and close observation at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

The outbreak began in August with the case of a nine-year-old girl from Kozhikode district, who became the first victim of amoebic encephalitis, a rare but often fatal brain infection caused by the so-called “brain-eating amoeba”, Naegleria fowleri.

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The amoeba is usually found in ponds, lakes, or other freshwater bodies, and authorities are currently looking into the water source where the child may have come into contact with it. This is the fourth instance of this type that the district has reported this year.

What is Amoebic Encephalitis?

Amoebic encephalitis is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater environments between 25–40°C. Though extremely rare, the infection is almost always fatal. The amoeba enters the body through the nose when a person swims, bathes, or comes in contact with contaminated water. It then travels to the brain via the olfactory nerve, destroying brain tissue and causing swelling (cerebral oedema).

Symptoms of Brain-Eating Amoeba

The infection’s incubation period is usually three to seven days. Some of the early symptoms are:

• A sore throat and a headache
• Vomiting and fever
• Hallucinations and confusion
• Stiffness in the neck
• Seizures
• Changes in taste or smell

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Can You Get It from Drinking Water?

Experts emphasise that the infection is not brought on by drinking contaminated water. However, the danger arises once contaminated water gets into the nose. Infection can result from activities like bathing, swimming in infected lakes, or even nasal irrigation with unsterile water.

Experts advise avoiding freshwater swimming in high-risk areas, making sure nasal rinses contain sterile saline solutions, and being cautious when engaging in water activities, particularly with young children, in order to lower risk.