Second Death Due to 'Brain-Eating Amoeba' in Kerala: Teen Girl Dies of Rare Brain Infection 'Amoebic Meningoencephalitis' in Kozhikode
In a heartbreaking incident, a 13-year-old girl succumbed to amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection, at a private hospital in Kerala's Kozhikode.
Kozhikode, June 25: In a heartbreaking incident, a 13-year-old girl succumbed to amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection, at a private hospital in Kerala's Kozhikode. The deceased was identified as Dakshina, the daughter of Kannur natives Ragesh Babu and Dhanya, who had been battling the rare disease for several days.
According to the Onmanorama report, the chain of events began when Dakshina took a study trip to Munnar. Approximately three months after her visit, she developed symptoms of the infection. It is suspected that she contracted the amoebic infection from a swimming pool in Munnar, where she had taken a bath. Unlike the typical rapid onset of symptoms within five days of exposure to the amoeba, Dakshina's case was unusual. Her symptoms only manifested on May 8, despite her visit to Munnar in January. 'Brain-Eating Amoeba' Kills One in Kerala: Minor Girl Dies of Rare Brain Infection PAM in Kozhikode.
Dakshina was initially admitted to a private hospital in Kannur due to severe headache and vomiting. As her condition worsened, she was transferred to Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis confirmed the rare disease, revealing the presence of a scarce amoeba called Vermamoeba vermiformis in her body. Notably, amoebic trophozoites were also detected, setting her case apart from previous reports in the state.
What is Naegleria Fowleri?
Naegleria Fowleri is a type of amoeba that is usually found in warm freshwater and moist soil. It likes heat, so it is most commonly found in the water during the summer. However, it can also be found in the silt at the bottom of freshwater bodies at considerably lower temperatures. Brain-Eating Amoeba: Rare Brain Infection Caused by Free-Living Amoebae Reported in Kerala, Says Government Release.
How Does Naegleria Fowleri Infect People
Naegleria Fowleri infections can occur when water containing the amoeba enters your nose. It can then migrate up the nasal cavity and into the brain. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) can result from this infection. A PAM infection is nearly always fatal since it destroys brain tissue quickly.
This is the second incident in Kerala of death due to a rare brain infection within two months. In a related incident, another young girl, five-year-old Fadwa PP from Malappuram, lost her life to the same disease while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital in May.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2024 05:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).