Amoebic infection deaths in Kerala: Health department launches safety drive

Alappuzha: Alappuzha has reported two deaths due to amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but highly fatal brain infection caused by free-living amoeba found in contaminated or stagnant water. The deaths have prompted health authorities to issue caution and strengthen preventive measures in the region.

The deceased have been identified as Aryamol (26), a nurse from Ambalappuzha North, and Binu Varghese (55), a contract employee from Mavelikkara. Both individuals developed severe symptoms and underwent treatment at multiple hospitals, including medical colleges in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram, but could not be saved.

In Aryamol’s case, symptoms reportedly appeared about a month ago. She initially sought treatment at Alappuzha Medical College Hospital, was discharged, and later experienced a relapse that required further hospitalisation. Her condition worsened despite advanced care. In Binu Varghese’s case, he was admitted after complaining of a severe headache, and his condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to referral to a higher medical centre.

Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by organisms such as Naegleria fowleri and other amoeba species that typically enter the body through the nose when contaminated water is inhaled during bathing, swimming or exposure to untreated water sources. The infection then travels to the brain, causing severe inflammation.

Health experts have noted that the disease is not transmitted from person to person, but it progresses quickly once infection occurs. Early symptoms often include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and neck stiffness. As the disease advances, patients may develop seizures, confusion, sensitivity to light and loss of consciousness.

Officials have stressed that the infection is rare but extremely dangerous, with a very high fatality rate. Most cases worldwide are linked to exposure to warm, stagnant or untreated freshwater environments.

Following the recent deaths, health authorities have collected water samples from suspected locations, including the rest house where one of the patients worked and other possible exposure points. Preventive measures and awareness campaigns have also been intensified in the district.

The public has been advised to avoid bathing in stagnant or untreated water bodies, prevent water from entering the nose while swimming, and ensure proper chlorination of swimming pools and water sources. Wells and public water systems are also recommended to be regularly disinfected as per health department guidelines.

Officials have reiterated that early medical attention is crucial if symptoms appear, as the infection progresses rapidly and requires urgent intervention.