Kerala: A new case of a rare but deadly brain infection, amebic meningoencephalitis, has been reported in Kerala, with a 17-year-old boy in Thiruvananthapuram confirmed to have contracted the disease. The Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed that 17 people have died so far this year. A total of 67 people have been infected with the rare brain-eating amoeba. The health department had said that there were only 2 confirmed deaths, while 14 more cases are under investigation.
Two new cases were reported on September 12, taking the tally for the month to 19 cases and 7 deaths. The health department has closed a swimming pool in Akkulam tourist village and collected water samples for testing. The boy had visited the swimming pool with friends the previous day and had bathed there, officials said. According to the updated data released under the Comprehensive Disease Surveillance Programme on the department’s website on September 14, Kerala has recorded 67 cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis this year, with 17 deaths.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George has stressed the urgent need for strict preventive measures to combat amoebic meningoencephalitis. She has advised the public to be vigilant about water safety and hygiene. “We need to create a strong defence against amoebic meningoencephalitis. We should not wash our faces or bathe in stagnant or polluted water, including water bodies where cows and buffaloes bathe,” she said.
Wells should be chlorinated scientifically and swimming pools in water theme parks should also be chlorinated properly. Records related to maintenance should be kept safe, the minister said. "Water storage facilities in homes should be kept clean. The amoeba enters your brain through your nose, so make sure water does not enter your nose," he advised.