A recent outbreak of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis, a rare but lethal infection of the central nervous system caused by free-living amoebae, has struck Thiruvananthapuram, raising alarm among health officials and residents alike. Seven individuals have tested positive for the infection, with one fatality already recorded.
The first casualty was Akhil, 27, who succumbed to the infection on July 23. Akhil, along with four of his friends – Aneesh, Achu, Hareesh, and Dhanush – all from Kannaravila village in Neyyatinkara Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram, are currently receiving treatment in a special ICU at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Recently, two more individuals from Kannaravila, Sajeev, 26, and Aji, 25, tested positive for the infection on August 6.
The infection has been linked to a moss-infested public pond known as Kaavinkulam in Kannaravila. Health Department officials believe the victims contracted the amoeba while swimming or diving in the pond. The amoeba likely entered their bodies through the ears, nose, or mouth, disturbed from the sludge at the pond’s bottom by their activities.
A puzzling case is that of V Nijith, 37, a driver from Peroorkada, who has no known history of swimming in public ponds. Nijith fell unconscious after a seizure on August 2. It is hypothesised that he may have contracted the infection while washing his face, rinsing his mouth, or irrigating his nose with water from a potentially contaminated pipe. Another possible source is the well at his home, where he had recently been cleaning. Water samples from both the pond and Nijith’s well are undergoing further analysis.
In response to the outbreak, a Medical Board has been constituted to oversee treatment. A combination of five medicines is being used to treat the patients, with an adequate supply currently available. Health Minister Veena George has instructed the Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL) to stock additional supplies as a precaution.
The Health Department has issued warnings to the public, particularly those with ear wounds, to avoid bathing in stagnant pools. Local bodies and private organisations have been reminded to chlorinate their swimming pools regularly to prevent further infections.
The infection has been confirmed in 15 individuals across Kerala this year, with cases reported in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Thrissur. Two patients have recovered. With the rise in cases, the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) is setting up a diagnostic facility on its Thiruvananthapuram campus to better prepare for and manage future outbreaks. The facility is expected to be operational within a month.
Dr K P Aravindan, a pathologist and health activist, emphasised the importance of rigorous testing to ensure accuracy. He noted that Naegleria fowleri, the most lethal amoeba responsible for such infections, must be precisely identified in samples without contamination.
Following the initial negative test results for the amoeba in the Kaavinkulam pond, water samples have been collected again for further analysis. Meanwhile, 33 people who had contact with the pond in Kannaravila are under surveillance. Anyone exhibiting symptoms such as headaches, neck stiffness, fever, and nausea is urged to seek immediate medical attention.
The Health Department’s study revealed that the confirmed patients in the capital had some connection to the stagnant pond in Kannaravila, verifying that the infection was likely contracted through forceful inhalation of pond water or its vapors. A thorough investigation is ongoing to determine any additional sources of contamination and to implement necessary public health measures to prevent further spread.
As Kerala grapples with this spike in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring rigorous testing and preventive measures are in place to protect the community.
