Boy dies of infection caused by rare brain-eating amoeba in Kerala
Kozhikode (PTI): A 14-year-old boy, who was under treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters, died at a private hospital here.
Mridul died at 11.20 pm on Wednesday, Kerala state health department said on Thursday.
This is the third case of fatal infection reported in the southern state since May.
The first instance was the death of a five-year-old girl from Malappuram on May 21 and the second was a 13-year-old girl from Kannur who died on June 25.
According to the health department sources, the child had taken a dip at a small pond here and preventive measures were being taken.
Medical experts said the infection occurs when free-living, non-parasitic amoebae bacteria enter the body through the nose from contaminated water.
The health authorities have advised people to exercise caution against amoebic meningoencephalitis.
The disease was earlier reported in coastal Alappuzha district in the state in 2023 and 2017
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Nandi Hills cable car rides may begin by 2027 as land acquisition nears completion: Report
Bengaluru: Provided there are no delays, tourists will be able to enjoy cable car rides above Nandi Hills by mid-2027, as the land acquisition process atop the hills nears completion, reported the Times of India on Tuesday.
According to officials from the Karnataka Tourism Department, the process to acquire 3.5 acres of private land at the top of Nandi Hills — essential for building the upper terminal — is expected to be completed by November 2025. Land for the lower terminal has already been acquired.
Dynamicx Ropeway Private Limited, which is executing the project under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with the tourism department, has submitted its final project plans for approval to planning authorities in both Bengaluru Rural and Chikkaballapur districts.
"Various departments, including the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), should provide their clearances for the project before the final plans can be approved. It will involve a series of queries from the departments," TOI quoted a senior official from the tourism department as saying.
The required approvals are expected within the next couple of months, following which the civil work will begin. "We have allotted 1.5 years' time to the company for the completion of the work once it begins," the official added.
The idea of a ropeway at Nandi Hills has existed for several decades but faced multiple delays due to land acquisition issues and environmental clearances. However, the current developments mark a significant push toward implementation.
Once operational, the cable car system will feature 50 semi-closed cabins offering panoramic views as they travel between the two terminals. The lower terminal will include parking for over 200 cars, 110 two-wheelers, as well as buses and vans. It will also have a waiting area for up to 600 people.
_vb_34.webp)