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Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Three individuals in South Kerala have been diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis, also known as amoebic brain fever, prompting the state health department to issue an urgent advisory. The infections have been traced to contaminated pond water, with a recent death of a child in Thiruvananthapuram attributed to this rare and often fatal disease.
State Health Minister Veena George confirmed on Monday that the three patients, who had bathed in a pond in the district, are currently undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. The pond has been identified as the source of the infections.
In response to the outbreak, the health department has issued a warning to the public. The advisory emphasizes the importance of avoiding contact with water from ponds, especially those where animals bathe or where water hyacinths are present, due to the risk of contamination.
“Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a severe condition caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This infection typically occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose from contaminated water,” explained Minister George. “We urge people to avoid bathing or washing their faces in potentially contaminated water to prevent further infections.”
This outbreak has heightened concern as the disease, though rare, has a high fatality rate. The recent death of a 14-year-old boy, who succumbed to the infection in early July, marks the fourth case of amoebic meningoencephalitis reported in Kerala since May. All the patients were children.
Medical experts have reiterated the need for vigilance and adherence to the advisory. The disease has previously been reported in the coastal Alappuzha district in 2023 and 2017, highlighting the recurring threat of this deadly infection in the region.
The state health department continues to monitor the situation closely, working to prevent further cases and raise public awareness about the dangers of amoebic brain fever. The public is advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
