📷 Image Credits: India Today
Kerala has reported another case of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters, taking the total number of such cases to four. According to a report with news agency PTI, the patient is a 14-year-old boy, a resident of Payyoli in Kozhikode district of north Kerala, and is being treated at a private hospital. The state has reported four such cases since May, and all patients were reported to be minors, three of whom have already died.
In the latest case, one of the doctors treating the boy said that he was admitted to the hospital on July 1, and his condition is improving, PTI reported. The doctor also said that on Saturday, the infection was identified quickly at the hospital and treatment, including medicines from abroad, was given immediately. On July 3, a 14-year-old boy infected with the free-living amoeba died in the state. Before that, two others — a five-year-old girl from Malappuram and a 13-year-old girl from Kannur — died on May 21 and June 25, respectively, due to the rare brain infection.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized the importance of preventive measures during a recent meeting. Suggestions, including avoiding bathing in unclean waterbodies, ensuring proper chlorination of swimming pools, and being cautious when entering waterbodies, were discussed to prevent further infections. Children are particularly vulnerable to this disease and are urged to take extra care when engaging in water activities.
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare central nervous system infection caused by amoebae found in freshwater sources like lakes and rivers. The mortality rate of PAM is extremely high, exceeding 90%, even with antimicrobial therapy. Symptoms of PAM are similar to bacterial meningitis and can progress rapidly, affecting brain cells and tissues.
The disease enters the body through the nose, typically while swimming or engaging in water sports in warm freshwater. Early symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and nausea, with progressive symptoms leading to confusion, lack of attention, loss of balance, and hallucinations. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for PAM, and recovery is rare in most cases.
It is crucial for individuals, especially children and young adults, to be cautious when in contact with potentially contaminated water sources to avoid contracting this dangerous infection. With the rise in cases in Kerala, public awareness and adherence to preventive measures are essential to combat the spread of the brain-eating amoeba.
