Kerala teen dies of rare infection caused by 'brain eating amoeba': Know all about the disease

A 15-year-old boy died in Kerala due to a rare brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis


             Meanwhile, district health officials have advised people to avoid taking baths in contaminated water

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare brain illness, caused a 15-year-old boy to pass away in Kerala's Alappuzha district, according to news agency PTI, quoting state health minister Veena George.

The minister confirmed the fatality and noted that the state had previously documented five cases of the uncommon sickness, also known as "brain-eating amoeba." The Thirumala ward of Alappuzha reported the infection's first incidence in 2016.

According to the minister, one incidence each was recorded in Kozhikode and Thrissur in the years 2020 and 2022, while two instances were verified in Malappuram in the years 2019 and 2020.

Only one person in ten thousand will experience this unusual ailment. The place where the sickness was reported has been sanitized with the help of the health department. Five people in the state had the illness prior to this, she stated in a formal statement.

In the meanwhile, local health authorities have suggested that residents refrain from bathing in polluted water to stop the sickness from spreading.

How it infects?

A free-living amoeba that lives in contaminated waters is what causes PAM, which, according to a government press release, affects the brain and the central nervous system when it enters the body through the nasal passage, typically while swimming or diving in contaminated water.

Symptoms:

Fever, headache, vomiting, and seizures are the main signs and symptoms of the illness. The minister declared that "all the infected patients had died," noting that the fatality rate for the uncommon brain infection was 100%.

Prevention:

Treatment options for PAM are limited, and early intervention is crucial for the best chances of survival. Antifungal medications are typically recommended to fight the infection. However, prevention is key in reducing the risk of infection. It is recommended to avoid swimming or diving in warm freshwater bodies. When participating in water activities, it is advisable to use nose clips or keep your head above water.

(With inputs from agencies)

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