Kerala is grappling with a concerning spike in cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and deadly brain infection caused by amoebae found in freshwater sources. A 14-year-old boy in Payyoli, North Kerala, has been confirmed as the latest victim of this disease, bringing the total number of cases to four in just two months. This follows the recent death of E.P Mridul from Kozhikode, who succumbed to PAM, marking the third fatality from this infection in the state.
The rise in PAM cases has sparked a health emergency in Kerala, prompting a high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. During the meeting, the CM issued a strong warning to the public, urging them to avoid swimming or engaging in other water sports in potentially contaminated bodies of water. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring proper chlorination of swimming pools to minimize the risk of infection.
PAM, often referred to as ‘brain-eating amoeba’, is a dangerous and rare central nervous system infection. The amoeba, typically found in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and even hot springs, enters the body through the nasal passages and travels to the brain, causing inflammation and damage.
The initial symptoms of PAM are similar to bacterial meningitis, including fever, headache, stiff neck, and nausea. As the disease progresses, patients may experience confusion, impaired attention, loss of balance, and hallucinations. Unfortunately, the mortality rate for PAM is extremely high, exceeding 90% even with aggressive antimicrobial therapy, according to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information. The infection is known to be fatal within 1 to 18 days of symptom onset.
Due to its rarity and the rapid progression of the disease, there is no specific treatment for PAM. Prevention, therefore, becomes crucial. While PAM affects individuals of all ages, it is most commonly observed in young and active people who engage in water-related activities.
The Kerala government is actively working to control the spread of PAM, raising awareness about the dangers of contaminated water and encouraging individuals to take necessary precautions. The authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when swimming or engaging in water sports in freshwater environments, particularly during the warmer months when the amoeba thrives. The state government is also actively investigating the source of the recent PAM outbreaks and implementing measures to prevent further cases.
