Health authorities in the southern Indian state of Kerala have been plunged into a state of high alert following the tragic death of a teenager from a rare and devastating brain infection.
The young victim succumbed to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), an aggressive and almost invariably fatal infection of the brain. The culprit is a free-living amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri, infamously dubbed the 'brain-eating amoeba'.
How the Infection Spreads
The lethal microorganism is typically found in warm, fresh water such as lakes, rivers, and poorly maintained swimming pools. It does not cause illness if swallowed but becomes deadly when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. From there, the amoeba travels to the brain, where it destroys tissue, leading to severe swelling and ultimately death.
Urgent Public Health Advisory Issued
In response, the Kerala health department has issued an urgent advisory, urging the public to exercise extreme caution.
- Avoid swimming in freshwater bodies where the amoeba may thrive, especially during warm periods.
- Use nose clips or hold your nose shut if you must jump into freshwater.
- Ensure water pools are properly chlorinated and maintained.
- Avoid disturbing sediment in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
Health Minister Veena George confirmed the incident and emphasised that the infection is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
A Rare but Grave Threat
While the infection is extremely rare, its fatality rate is tragically high. Early symptoms, which appear about five days after exposure, include severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. These quickly progress to a stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. The rapid progression of the disease makes successful treatment exceptionally difficult.
This tragic event in Kerala serves as a sobering reminder of the microscopic dangers that can exist in freshwater environments and the critical importance of preventive measures.
