Amoebic meningoencephalitis case in Cherthala: 10-year-old boy critical, infection source under probe

Cherthala: A 10-year-old boy from Thanneermukkom, Varanad, has been diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis and is undergoing treatment at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Authorities said he is in critical condition, while the source of the infection remains unclear.

The boy had recently returned to India after living abroad with his parents. Over the past two months, he had been staying alternately at his mother’s residence in Pallipuram and his family home in Varanad, complicating efforts to trace the source of the infection.

He was first admitted to a private hospital a few days ago and later transferred to Kottayam Medical College after showing symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed on Saturday. Officials are investigating whether the infection may have been contracted from a swimming pool at a resort.

In response, the district health department has issued a warning, with separate alerts in Thanneermukkom and Pallipuram.

District Alert

Alappuzha: Following the confirmed case of amoebic meningoencephalitis in the 10-year-old, the health department has urged the public to avoid bathing, swimming, diving, or washing their faces in unclean ponds, stagnant water bodies, or swimming pools that have not been properly chlorinated.

The pathogenic amoeba 'Naegleria fowleri' and 'Acanthamoeba' can be present in contaminated water and enter the brain through the nasal passages. Symptoms typically appear within five to 12 days of infection. While initial symptoms may resemble common encephalitis, amoebic meningoencephalitis can progress rapidly and may be fatal. Previous deaths from the disease have been reported in Poochakkal and Alappuzha.

Amoebae are also found in freshwater sources in tropical regions. Authorities advise bathers to pinch their noses, use nose plugs, or keep their heads elevated to prevent water from entering the nasal passages.

Swimming pools, especially in training centres, should be properly chlorinated, and swimmers should wear nose plugs. Safety measures should also be observed at water parks, bio-reserves, and other tourist attractions.

Teachers and guardians have been urged to prevent children from playing or bathing in small ponds or stagnant water. The District Medical Officer has also directed that water sources in homes, schools, and government and private institutions be regularly chlorinated.