Brain infection claims 26-yr-old woman, health alert in Kerala

A 26-year-old nurse died in Thiruvananthapuram due to suspected amoebic meningoencephalitis, prompting concern as Kerala health officials warn of possible fresh cases linked to contaminated water and climatic conditions favouring the spread of such infections

Thiruvananthapuram: A 26-year-old woman undergoing treatment for suspected amoebic meningoencephalitis, also known as bacrain fever, died at the Government Medical College Hospital here on Friday, health department officials said.

The deceased was identified as Arya, a native of Neerkunnam near Ambalapuzha in Alappuzha district.
Officials said Arya, a nurse by profession, was initially admitted to a hospital in Alappuzha last month with symptoms of amoebic meningoencephalitis.

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She was later shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Her condition worsened on Thursday night, and she succumbed to the illness on Friday, officials said.

The death comes after a brief lull in reported cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in the state.
Recently, the health department had issued an alert warning of the possibility of fresh cases considering prevailing climatic conditions. Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by microorganisms such as Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba, which are found in contaminated water bodies.