Rare Brain-Infection Claims Third Life in Kerala, Young Boy Succumbs to Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Another tragic loss has struck the southern state of Kerala as a 14-year-old boy from Kozhikode succumbed to a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the ‘brain-eating amoeba’. The young victim, a student at Farook Higher Secondary School, was identified as EP Mridul.

EP Mridul’s untimely death marks the third fatality in just under three months in Kerala due to this deadly infection. The state had previously witnessed similar unfortunate incidents involving children from Malappuram and Kannur districts.

The deadly amoebic meningoencephalitis infection claimed the life of the young boy after he had been swimming in a pond. The pathogen enters the body through the nose, making its way to the brain and causing severe damage and inflammation. Health officials issued warnings to the public to avoid the contaminated pond where the boy had been swimming.

Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but extremely severe brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba species, both of which can be found in contaminated freshwater bodies. This infection, which is not communicable from person to person, leads to rapid decline and often results in death within a very short period after the onset of symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of this infection generally manifest around 1-9 days after exposure and include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status, and hallucinations. The disease progresses rapidly, usually leading to death within 1-12 days of symptom onset.

Health authorities have emphasized the importance of caution when engaging in water activities in areas where these amoebas may be present. Prior instances of amoebic meningoencephalitis have also been reported in the coastal district of Alappuzha in recent years.