Kerala reports 8th amoebic meningoencephalitis case: Experts warn of airborne transmission

Kozhikode: Another case of amoebic meningoencephalitis has been confirmed at the Government Medical College Hospital, bringing the total number of infections to eight. The latest case involves a resident of Nadavayal in Wayanad, who was diagnosed on Sunday.

A person from Sultan Bathery admitted three days ago was confirmed with the disease the other day. As the patient showed no improvement despite treatment for other ailments, serum samples were sent for testing, which confirmed the infection. Patients are currently being treated at the medical college hospital and the mother-and-child care centre. A young woman, Anaya, from Anappaarappoyil in Korangad, Thamarassery, had died of the disease a few weeks ago.

Other patients currently under treatment include Anaya’s seven-year-old brother, a three-month-old baby from Omassery who is in critical condition and on ventilator, a 55-year-old woman from Karumatta, Kappil in Malappuram, an 11-year-old girl from Chelari in Malappuram, a 49-year-old from Pulliparamba in Malappuram, and a 31-year-old from Annassery in Kozhikode. Authorities have stated that the condition of the other patients is not a cause for serious concern.

Infection can spread through air, dust, soil and mud – not just water

Traditionally, amoebic meningoencephalitis has been considered a waterborne disease. However, medical experts now warn that the infection can also spread through inhalation of dust, soil, or mud particles that come in contact with the body. Components or fragments of the parasite may enter the body via these media. New variants of the amoeba have also been identified. These more dangerous strains are capable of entering the body even through the respiratory tract.

The infection can spread in cyst, trophozoite or flagellate forms. The conventional belief that it only spreads through stagnant or non-chlorinated swimming pool water is now being revised.

The disease occurs when certain types of amoebae—such as Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, Sappinia, and Balamuthia mandrillaris—reach the brain. They can enter via small openings in the thin membrane that separates nose and brain, or through a tear in the eardrum, eventually leading to meningoencephalitis. These amoebae are known to survive even under harsh conditions, resisting heat, disinfectants, and ultraviolet radiation.

When entering a water body, amoebae from the muddy bottom can get stirred up and enter the body through the nose. Symptoms typically appear within one to nine days after exposure. Early treatment significantly improves chances of recovery.

Symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiffness in the neck
• Sensitivity to light

In infants:

• Disinterest to food
• Lethargy
• Unusual behaviour

In severe cases:

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Memory loss

Precautionary Measures:

• Avoid bathing in polluted ponds or stagnant water
• Do not bathe or wash the face using water from ponds where animals are bathed, which are known to be polluted, or which contain moss.
• Avoid using water from unclean storage tanks
• Refrain from swimming in stagnant water
• Water in water theme parks and swimming pools must be properly chlorinated
• Do not forcefully inhale or squirt water into the nose.

Sources:

Dr B Padmakumar, Principal, Alappuzha Medical College

Dr K Sandhya Kurup, Indian Medical Association (Medical Specialities Division)