Kerala teen battling rare brain disease with 97% mortality rate survives

A 14-year-old boy from Kozhikode has made a rare recovery from amoebic meningoencephalitis, also known as Naegleriasis, a rare brain infection. The mortality rate in this condition goes as high as 97 per cent and it has seen only 11 survivors worldwide.

The infection, caused by free-living amoeba in contaminated water, was detected early, which contributed to the boy’s swift recovery, said the medical team. Kerala Health Minister Veena George commended the medical team for their coordinated effort and successful treatment.

The same day, the boy developed epilepsy and was admitted to a private hospital in Kozhikode July 1. The health department promptly provided Miltefosine, an antimicrobial drug, for his treatment.

The boy was cured after three weeks of treatment, thanks to early detection and comprehensive care.

In response to the case, the health department intensified preventive measures.

This rare recovery comes after three children diagnosed with amoebic encephalitis died in the span of three months in Kerala.

On July 5, a special meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan proposed developing molecular testing systems in collaboration with the Institute of Advanced Virology to confirm the disease at an early stage.

A meeting convened by the Health Minister on May 28, after the first two cases of amoebic encephalitis were reported in the state, led to the preparation of treatment guidelines for the disease, which were released on July 20.

This marks the first time comprehensive guidelines for this rare disease have been issued in India.