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Kerala has recorded its 5th case of amoebic meningoencephalitis infection (Brain Eating Amoeba), a rare disease caused by a dangerous amoeba called Naegleria fowleri.
The 7th class student (12yrs) from Padoor, Thrissur district, who had been on ventilator support for several days in June but has reportedly shown progress in recent days. According to the District Medical Officer (DMO), the boy had contracted a less severe strain of the brain-eating amoeba, called Vermamoeba vermiformis. This was established after testing his cerebrospinal fluid in Puducherry.
While the exact source of infection in the young boy currently remains unknown, it is important to note that the brain-eating amoeba usually occurs through exposure to contaminated water and can be prevented with proper measures.
What Is the Brain-Eating Amoeba?
Naegleria fowleri, also known as brain-eating amoeba, is an amoeba that typically occurs in freshwater habitats such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs, says Dr Sneha, Consultant – Internal Medicine, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.