Kerala Grapples with Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba: Sixth Death Reported Amid Urgent Warnings

Kerala is grappling with an escalating health crisis as a virulent "brain-eating" amoeba continues to claim lives, with the recent death of a 15-year-old girl marking the sixth confirmed fatality in the state. Fathima, hailing from Malappuram district, succumbed to the rare but almost universally fatal Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by the microscopic organism Naegleria fowleri, following a week-long battle for her life.

The tragic loss of Fathima has sent ripples of concern across Kerala, particularly given the amoeba's terrifying lethality.

Naegleria fowleri, often dubbed the "brain-eating amoeba," thrives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and even poorly maintained swimming pools. Infection typically occurs when contaminated water, containing the amoeba, enters the human body through the nose. Once inside, it travels up to the brain, leading to severe inflammation and destruction of brain tissue.

Symptoms of PAM are initially non-specific, often mimicking other common illnesses, making early diagnosis incredibly challenging.

Patients usually experience fever, severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, symptoms escalate to stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status, and eventually coma. The disease progresses rapidly, often leading to death within 5 to 7 days of symptom onset. With a fatality rate exceeding 97%, PAM is one of the most deadly infections known to science.

While cases of Naegleria fowleri are rare globally, Kerala has unfortunately seen a sporadic but concerning occurrence.

The state reported its first confirmed case in Alappuzha in 2016. Subsequent fatalities were recorded in Malappuram (2019), Kozhikode (2020), Thrissur (2022), and Alappuzha again in 2023. Fathima's death now adds to this tragic tally, underscoring the persistent threat this elusive pathogen poses.

In response to this latest fatality and the ongoing threat, health authorities in Kerala have issued urgent public advisories.

Residents are strongly cautioned against bathing or swimming in rivers, ponds, and other natural freshwater bodies, especially during warmer months when the amoeba is most active. Specific warnings have been circulated for areas identified as high-risk, advising against activities that might lead to water entering the nose.

Preventative measures are crucial for avoiding infection.

These include: avoiding swimming, diving, or jumping into natural freshwater bodies; holding one's nose shut or using nose clips when participating in water activities; and refraining from disturbing sediment in shallow water where the amoeba might reside. For nasal rinsing, it is advised to use only sterile, distilled, or boiled and cooled water.

Personal hygiene practices after water exposure are also vital. Public awareness campaigns are being intensified to educate communities on the risks and necessary precautions, as early detection and treatment options for PAM remain severely limited.