Kerala Mourns as Rare 'Brain-Eating' Amoeba Claims Another Life in Wayanad

Kerala is once again grappling with the grim reality of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a devastating and exceptionally rare infection caused by the 'brain-eating' amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. The state's latest victim is 34-year-old Musthafa from Panavally, Wayanad, who tragically succumbed to the disease on Saturday morning at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.

His death marks a somber moment, intensifying concerns about this highly fatal condition that continues to surface in the region.

Musthafa’s battle with the amoebic infection began after he experienced a severe onset of symptoms including high fever, persistent headache, vomiting, altered mental status, and seizures.

These are classic indicators of PAM, a rapidly progressing disease that attacks the central nervous system. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where he was undergoing intensive treatment, the aggressive nature of the infection proved too overwhelming.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is not contagious from person to person.

Instead, it is contracted when water contaminated with Naegleria fowleri enters the human body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming, diving, or bathing in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, or poorly maintained ponds. Once the amoeba enters the nasal passages, it travels up to the brain, leading to severe inflammation and destruction of brain tissue.

The infection is almost always fatal, with a survival rate of less than 3% globally.

This latest fatality echoes a concerning pattern in Kerala. Earlier this year, a 15-year-old boy from Alappuzha district also died from PAM, sending shockwaves across the state. Furthermore, last year witnessed two other tragic cases, one each in Thrissur and Malappuram districts.

The recurring nature of these isolated yet devastating incidents underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and preventative measures among the public.

In response to these outbreaks, health authorities have consistently issued advisories urging residents to exercise extreme caution, especially when engaging in water-related activities in freshwater environments.

Key recommendations include avoiding swimming, bathing, or diving in stagnant or untreated freshwater bodies. While the amoeba is rare, the severe consequences of infection make vigilance paramount. Local health departments are also working to monitor water quality and educate communities on safe practices to mitigate the risk of this formidable brain infection.