78-year-old woman dies of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Thiruvananthapuram; death toll rises to 26
Thiruvananthapuram: A 78-year-old woman, Hasma Beevi from Pothencode, Thiruvananthapuram passed away around 11 am on Tuesday due to amoebic meningoencephalitis while receiving treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, officials said.
Habsa Beevi was diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis on October 16. She had initially sought care at a private hospital in Pothencode after developing a fever. Her condition worsened, with facial swelling and persistent fever, leading to her admission to SUT Hospital four days later, following stroke-like symptoms. During her stay in the intensive care unit, her kidneys failed, and she underwent dialysis three times. A detailed blood test later confirmed amoebic meningoencephalitis.
The Health Department has collected samples from the family’s well for testing as part of the investigation.
It marks the second death from the rare brain infection reported in Thiruvanathapuram within two days. In the state, till October 18, the total number of cases reported so far this year has touched 129, including 26 deaths.
What is Amoebic encephalitis?
Amoebic encephalitis, also called amoebic meningoencephalitis, is an extremely rare disease, affecting about one in 10,000 people. It is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri and is not transmitted from person to person.
The amoeba typically lives in stagnant water and enters the body through the thin lining of the nose. Once inside, it can reach the brain and cause severe inflammation, leading to encephalitis. These free-living amoebae are commonly found in ponds, lakes, and other stagnant water sources. Infection can occur during activities such as swimming in untreated water or rinsing the nose with contaminated water.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 9 days of infection. Early signs include:
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck or difficulty turning the neck
As the infection progresses, more serious symptoms may develop, such as:
- Seizures
- Fainting
- Memory loss
Diagnosis is typically confirmed by examining a sample of spinal fluid.
Prevention
The amoeba enters the body primarily through contact with stagnant or untreated water. To reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid swimming in stagnant ponds, lakes, or streams.
- Do not rinse your nose with untreated water.
- Ensure swimming pools are properly chlorinated before use, especially for children.
If you experience any symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early detection is crucial for treatment.