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A 14-year-old boy from Payyoli, in Kerala’s northern district, is currently undergoing treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and deadly brain infection. This case marks the fourth reported instance of the disease in the state since May. The infection has already claimed the lives of three other children.
The boy was admitted to a private hospital on July 1, where he has shown signs of improvement thanks to early diagnosis and prompt treatment. According to his doctors, the timely identification of the infection and the use of medications sourced from abroad have been pivotal to his recovery.
Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters. The infection occurs when these amoebae enter the body through the nose. Kerala has witnessed a concerning spike in cases, with this latest incident following the deaths of a five-year-old girl from Malappuram on May 21, a 13-year-old girl from Kannur on June 25, and another 14-year-old boy earlier this week.
In light of these events, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a meeting to discuss and implement preventive measures. The recommendations include avoiding unclean water bodies, ensuring proper chlorination of swimming pools, and using swimming nose clips to prevent the amoebae from entering the nasal passages.
Health officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when engaging in water activities. They emphasize the importance of maintaining hygiene and safety standards to prevent further cases.
Kerala has previously reported similar infections, with cases in the coastal Alappuzha district in 2023 and 2017. The recurrence of such incidents has prompted health experts to call for increased awareness and stricter water safety measures.
The state health department is working closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and provide the necessary support to affected families. The department also plans to launch an awareness campaign to educate the public about the risks associated with contaminated water and the steps that can be taken to minimize exposure.
As the boy’s condition continues to improve, his case offers a glimmer of hope amidst the recent tragedies. The community remains on high alert, with the health and safety of its residents as the top priority.
