Kerala confirms 67th case of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis this year, 18 deaths reported

A new case of amoebic meningoencephalitis has been confirmed in Thiruvananthapuram, prompting authorities to shut a swimming pool and intensify water safety measures statewide.

Kerala has reported yet another case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but often fatal brain infection, raising fresh health concerns in the state. The latest patient is a 17-year-old boy from Thiruvananthapuram, who was diagnosed after visiting a swimming pool at Akkulam Tourist Village with his friends.

Following the diagnosis, health authorities immediately shut down the pool and collected water samples for testing. Officials suspect the boy contracted the infection while bathing in the pool, highlighting the risk posed by contaminated water sources.

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According to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Kerala has recorded 67 cases and 18 deaths from amoebic meningoencephalitis this year alone. Just last week, the state reported its fifth death in a month, with two victims, Shobhana (56) from Malappuram and Ratheesh (45) from Sulthan Bathery, succumbing to the disease while under treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

Health Minister Veena George urged the public to stay vigilant, stressing the need for scientific chlorination of wells and swimming pools. She said,
“We must ensure we do not wash our face or bathe in stagnant or polluted water. Proper chlorination and clean water storage facilities are crucial. The amoeba enters the brain through the nose, so people must avoid water entering their nostrils.”

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She also instructed water theme parks and pool operators to maintain strict chlorination protocols and keep maintenance records updated to ensure public safety.

Public health experts have warned that with rising temperatures and increased recreational water activities, cases could rise if preventive measures are not enforced.

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