 "Another encephalitis outbreak in Thiruvananthapuram; 24-year-old confirmed")
2024-08-12 08:25:53
Encephalitis has been confirmed again in Thiruvananthapuram district. A 24-year-old resident of Kallambalam Navaikulam has been diagnosed with the disease. So far, the number of confirmed cases of encephalitis in the district has increased to 7. Health department officials said this is the first time a woman has been diagnosed with the disease in the state.
The woman is currently undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. The woman’s saliva test results were received yesterday. It is suspected that the woman was bathing in a pond near the house. It was concluded that this could be the cause of contracting the disease.
The presence of the pathogen has been detected so far in three places in the district, including Kalambaram. Earlier, people with the disease were found in Perkada and Neyatinkara Canaraweera. The health department has banned the use of water bodies and fountains after amoebic encephalitis was confirmed within city limits.
Medical college authorities also said special caution should be taken while using water sources and awareness should be created among people about the severity of the disease.
What is amoebic meningoencephalitis?
This is a rare disease that occurs in people who come into contact with stagnant or flowing water and the brain is infected by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. There is currently little scientific research on the disease. The pathogen enters the body through the thin skin of the nose and causes encephalitis, which seriously affects the brain. Pathogens are often found in stagnant water. The disease does not spread from person to person.
symptom
Symptoms begin within 1 to 9 days after infection. The first symptoms are severe headache, fever, nausea and chills. In severe cases, epilepsy, fainting, memory loss, etc. may also occur. Diagnosis is by spinal tap.
defense
Disease can be prevented by avoiding bathing in standing water and sewers and not pouring water up your nose. Bathing in a properly chlorinated swimming pool is safe.
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