A 40-year-old woman from Arattupuzha, Alappuzha, who was recently diagnosed with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) remains in stable condition, according to health authorities. 

This is the first reported case from Arattupuzha grama panchayat and health authorities along with local body representatives have launched extensive preventive measures across the region. 

According to the health officials, the woman is presently undergoing treatment in Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. The woman, who was under treatment for stroke, tested her blood samples as part of a routine check-up, said a health official at Arattupuzha panchayat. 

“She tested positive and has been in the hospital for the past two days. Her condition is stable. She has no symptoms of the disease and is responsive to our queries. There is no cause of panic,” said the health official. 

According to the Health Standing Committee Chairperson of the panchayat, Syam Kumar, urgent precautionary measures are being carried out in all the 18 wards of the panchayat. “Cleaning and chlorination of all waterbodies in the region are in progress,” said Mr. Kumar.

Visits waterbody

Samples taken from the nearby waterbodies have been sent for investigation, he added. The woman, a resident of Ward 3 of Arattupuzha panchayat, has no history of swimming because of her medical condition. However, she had visited Sambranikodi, Kollam, recently, said health officials. “She visited the waterbody in April during Vishu. Although she didn’t bathe in the waterbody, she had stepped into it,” said an official. 

A total of 100 confirmed cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis have been reported from the State till May 5 this year while as many as 20 deaths have been reported this year. A total of four cases and three deaths have been reported this month.