Kozhikode: Amoebic meningoencephalitis claimed one more life in the state, that of a young woman in the capital district. The 26-year-old woman, a native of Irinchayam, Nedumangadu, who had been under prolonged treatment at Government Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, died on Wednesday evening.

She had developed a fever and headache in the first week of October and had been initially under treatment at the Nedumangadu taluk hospital.

She was later shifted to the medical college hospital after she developed seizures. Her CSF sample had been positive for amoeba under wet microscopy, and a PCR test later confirmed the organism to be Acanthamoeba.

This incident comes amidst a mounting number of cases in the state — as of the latest counts, the state has reported 17 such cases this month, including 7 deaths, and this year the tally stands at 140 cases and 40 deaths.

What are doctors saying?

“Brain fever is a serious inflammation of the brain that occurs due to viral infections, such as Japanese Encephalitis, dengue, herpes, or mosquito-borne viruses. It can affect anyone, but children, elderly adults, and people with weak immunity can be at risk of this fatal condition,” say the medical advisories.

“In fact, this condition tends to progress quickly and can lead to complications like seizures, confusion, or even coma if not treated immediately. Early action is the key to managing this condition and saving the life of the patient.”

Doctors emphasise: “It is necessary to seek help if the patient has symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, unusual behaviour, or drowsiness, as this can be due to encephalitis. The expert will suggest tests such as MRI/CT scan, lumbar puncture (CSF test), blood tests, and EEG for the diagnosis of this condition. Treatment will be recommended by the treating doctor and will include antiviral or antibacterial medicines, fever control, IV fluids, and ICU care.”

Staying safe: prevention tips (Inputs from Dr Aditya Deshmukh, Internal Medicine Expert, Apollo Spectra Pune)

  • Below are the recommended precautions — aligned with what the doctors are stressing (and exactly as your facts state):
  • Pay attention to symptoms: Sudden high fever, severe headache, vomiting, irritability, or extreme sleepiness should immediately prompt a consultation with a doctor — rather than being dismissed.
  • Follow hygiene: Regular hand-washing, avoiding sharing food or water, and staying away from people with viral infections are simple but effective.
  • Stay hydrated: When one has fever, dehydration can set in quickly — drinking sufficient fluids is critical.
  • Don’t self-medicate: Avoid taking antibiotics or home remedies without medical advice. Self-medication can delay proper diagnosis and treatment, which could prove dangerous.

Why this matters now

With the surge in reported cases in Kerala, particularly including this recent one, the risk to vulnerable people (children, the elderly, and immunocompromised) is higher. The fact that one of the recent fatalities involved Acanthamoeba points to a rare but serious form of amoebic brain infection (often slower-moving than the “classic” brain-eating amoeba but still very dangerous).

The rapid progression of symptoms and fatal outcomes underscores how important it is to recognise early signs and intervene quickly.

In summary

The latest figures and tragic case from Kerala serve as a wake-up call: encephalitis (commonly referred to as “brain fever”) can be swift-moving and fatal if not caught early. Avoid self-medication, maintain good hygiene, stay hydrated, be alert to symptoms, and if in doubt — report any signs to a qualified doctor without delay. Early action and preventive care are your best defence.