Kerala on Alert : Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills 19

A deadly disease called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is spreading rapidly in Kerala. The cause is the rare but deadly bacterium Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the ‘brain-eating amoeba’. So far this year, 69 cases have been confirmed in the state, of which at least 19 people have died.

What is the reason for the panic?

Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that this time the infection is no longer concentrated in a specific water body. Rather, isolated cases are being found from different districts. This has complicated the epidemiological investigation. The health department is considering it a serious public health crisis as the infection and mortality rate have almost doubled this year compared to last year.

How does this disease spread?

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According to doctors, this amoeba usually grows in warm, stagnant fresh water – such as ponds, wells, rivers or tank water. Infection occurs only when that water enters the body through the nose. However, infection does not occur by drinking water through the mouth.

The first symptoms of the disease are sudden fever, headache, nausea, sore throat, confusion, seizures, etc. like meningitis. Once symptoms start, the disease progresses rapidly, and poses a risk of death within a few days. The mortality rate of PAM worldwide is more than 95%.

What initiatives is the government taking for this?

• Testing and treatment have been strengthened in the initial stage.
• Instructions have been given to start using combined drugs including miltofosine immediately if PAM is detected.
• Water purification and chlorination activities have been increased in wells, tanks, ponds and bathing areas.
• In addition, people are being warned not to come into contact with raw or unclean water through their nose.

What can be done for this?

Experts say —

• 1. Avoid swimming or bathing in unclean or hot water
• 2. Use a nose clip if necessary.
• 3. Regular chlorination of domestic well or tank water.
• 4. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear.

Warning

Experts fear that the increase in water temperature due to climate change is making this amoeba more conducive to reproduction. Therefore, such incidents may occur more frequently in the future.