Kochi in Kerala has reported its first case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but potentially fatal brain infection, after a 25 year old woman from Lakshadweep tested positive for the disease.
The patient, who stays in a hostel in the city, is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital. She remains in stable condition.
Health officials said the woman was admitted with symptoms of fever and headache.
Initial diagnostic tests for amoebic encephalitis returned negative, but a third wet-mount microscopic examination confirmed the presence of the amoeba.
“She is totally stable and recovering well. We understand she had recently visited a resort, but the exact timeline is being verified to determine the incubation period,” a Health Department official said.
This case has raised concern amid an increasing number of amoebic meningoencephalitis infections in Kerala.
So far this year, the state has recorded 153 cases and 33 deaths attributed to the disease.
The most recent fatality was a 65 year old woman from Palathara in Kollam district.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is conducting a detailed study on the disease in Kerala. The study aims to identify the sources and patterns of transmission.
Surveys are underway in four districts: Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.
In October alone, officials confirmed 65 new cases, indicating a sharp rise in infections.
Health officials said the infection spreads through free-living amoebae commonly found in contaminated water sources such as ponds and lakes.
The amoebae can enter the body through open wounds or the nasal passage.
The state Health Department recently revised its public health advisory, warning elderly and immunocompromised individuals against washing wounds or feet in contaminated water.
Investigations into recent cases revealed that several patients had cleaned wounds using pond water.
A related study on pathogenic and opportunistic amoebae found multiple Acanthamoeba species isolated from infected individuals’ brains, lungs, skin and corneas.
While officials continue to investigate the environmental source in the Kochi case, they have urged the public to maintain strict personal hygiene and avoid contact with untreated water sources during the post-monsoon period.
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