Brain-Eating Amoeba: 'Brain-eating' amoeba attacks again in Kerala, kills one more person

Another person died in Kerala's Kasargod district due to a suspected 'brain-eating amoeba' infection. According to the report, 38-year-old Manikandan breathed his last on Sunday (22 September 2024) evening.

Another person died in Kerala's Kasargod district due to a suspected 'brain-eating amoeba' infection. According to reports, 38-year-old Manikandan breathed his last on Sunday (22 September 2024) evening. Manikandan had recently returned from Mumbai and was suffering from a fever. He first got treatment at the Government General Hospital in Kasargod, but was later transferred to a private hospital in Kannur, where doctors confirmed that he had symptoms of amoebic encephalitis.

Let us tell you that the brain-eating amoeba infection has been spreading rapidly in Kerala for the last two months. Manikandan is believed to be the fifth suspected victim of this infection. In the month of July, the Kerala government had issued an alert regarding this deadly infection, when cases of amoebic encephalitis were reported in four children, out of which three had died.

What is brain-eating amoeba or amoebic encephalitis?

'Brain-eating amoeba' is a very dangerous and rare infection, which is scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba is commonly found in lakes, fresh water, rivers, hot springs and soil. When a person visits these places, he can come in contact with this amoeba and due to this a serious disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) can occur, which affects the nervous system and can prove to be extremely fatal. This amoeba enters the brain and infects it, hence it is called 'brain-eating amoeba'.

Who is at risk of this infection?

This infection is extremely rare, but its consequences are more dangerous. This amoeba spreads among people who spend time in places like lakes, rivers, fresh water and hot springs, especially in summer when the water level is low and the temperature is high. The highest risk of infection occurs when this amoeba enters the body through the nose and reaches the brain. This amoeba severely affects the brain tissue, causing swelling and the infection can even lead to death. In about 97 percent of cases, the infected person dies.

How to avoid this infection?

According to health experts, it is very important to take precautions to avoid infection from this amoeba. One should especially stay away from places where this amoeba is found, such as lakes, rivers and hot water springs. If you have to go to these places, you should keep your nose covered and take special care of hygiene. Apart from this, nose clips can be used while swimming to prevent water from entering the nose.