Against All Odds: Kerala Boy Survives Amoebic Meningoencephalitis With 97% Mortality Rate

Kozhikode: Amid fears surrounding the outbreak of deadly viruses like Nipah in Kerala, the state has reported a remarkable case of recovery from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a disease with a 97 per cent mortality rate. Health Minister Veena George announced that a 14-year-old boy has fully recovered from this rare and fatal infection.

A Remarkable Recovery

George emphasized the rarity of this recovery, noting that globally, only 11 people have survived amoebic meningoencephalitis. She praised the medical team for their exceptional efforts in coordination and treatment.

Understanding the Disease

Amoebic meningoencephalitis is an extremely rare and lethal central nervous system infection caused by free-living amoebae, typically contracted from freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, and streams.

Action and Treatment

Upon identifying the case, a meeting was held under the health minister’s direction to implement specific precautionary measures. Health workers at the Primary Health Centre in Melady suspected meningoencephalitis and quickly alerted the authorities.

The boy experienced an epileptic seizure and was admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode the same day. He was treated with Miltefosine, a broad-spectrum anti-microbial used for amoeba infections. After three weeks of treatment, he made a full recovery. The statement credited early detection and prompt access to treatment as key factors in his recovery.

Preventive Measures

Following this incident, preventive measures were enhanced. On July 5, a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led to the establishment of molecular testing facilities for early disease confirmation.

Earlier, on May 28, Health Minister Veena George convened a meeting to develop treatment guidelines under expert guidance. This resulted in the release of the first comprehensive treatment protocol for amoebic meningoencephalitis in the country on July 20.