Thiruvananthapuram: Amoebae that cause amoebic encephalitis have been detected in the air, health officials said. Alongside Naegleria fowleri, which is found in water and soil, the presence of Acanthamoeba—the species responsible for most confirmed cases in the state—has now been identified in the air.

The amoeba becomes infectious when it mixes with water droplets and enters the body, particularly through the nose while bathing. Initially, health authorities believed stagnant water was the main source of infection, but recent cases include patients who had bathed at home. Other species, including Sappinia and Balamuthia mandrillaris, are also known to cause the disease.

So far this year, 66 cases have been confirmed in the state, with 17 deaths, according to the health department. Of the 19 cases reported this month, seven patients have died. More than 15 people are currently receiving treatment at Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram medical colleges.

Transmission through air and water

“The cause of the disease is amoebas in the air mixing with water and entering the body through the nose,” said Health Department Director Dr K.J. Reena. She clarified there is no scientific evidence that breathing air containing pathogenic amoebae directly causes infection, though airborne amoebae can contribute when combined with water exposure.

Pathogenic amoebae have also been detected in tap water, and the use of unchlorinated water poses an additional risk, officials warned.

Study ignored

Health Minister Veena George said a 2013 study by two doctors at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College on amoebae was overlooked by senior health officials at the time. In a Facebook post, she alleged that the then health department failed to examine or act on the findings.

Doctors Anna Cherian and R Jyothi had studied patients with corneal ulcers and found that Acanthamoeba was responsible in 64 per cent of cases. The study also suggested that well water could have been a source of infection.