Kerala on High Alert: Another Child Contracts Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba

Kerala is once again on high alert as health authorities confirm another case of the rare but often fatal brain infection, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), commonly known as the 'brain-eating amoeba.' The latest victim is a 10-year-old boy from Malappuram district, who is currently undergoing intensive treatment at a private hospital and remains in critical condition, sending ripples of concern across the state.

This alarming diagnosis comes just months after a similar tragic incident in Alappuzha, where a 15-year-old boy succumbed to the same deadly infection.

The recurrence underscores the persistent threat posed by Naegleria fowleri, the microscopic, single-celled amoeba responsible for PAM.

Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and poorly maintained swimming pools. The amoeba typically enters the human body through the nose when contaminated water is inhaled during activities like swimming, diving, or even during religious ablutions.

Once inside, it travels up the olfactory nerve to the brain, causing severe inflammation and destruction of brain tissue. Unlike other infections, PAM does not spread through drinking contaminated water or from person to person.

The symptoms of PAM appear rapidly, usually within 1 to 9 days after exposure.

Initial signs often mimic those of bacterial meningitis, including severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, victims may experience a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and eventually coma. The disease progresses quickly, and despite medical intervention, the fatality rate is exceptionally high, making early detection and treatment incredibly challenging.

In response to these recurring cases, the Kerala Health Department has reiterated its urgent public health advisories.

Dr. Veena George, the state's Health Minister, has emphasized the critical importance of preventive measures. The public is strongly advised to avoid bathing in stagnant fresh water bodies, particularly during warmer months when the amoeba is most active. Special caution should be exercised in unchlorinated or inadequately chlorinated swimming pools.

Further recommendations include using nose clips or avoiding submerging the head in fresh water during recreational activities.

If drawing water from open sources for domestic use, ensuring proper boiling or chlorination is crucial. While rare, the devastating nature of PAM necessitates heightened awareness and proactive steps to mitigate risks. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging communities to remain vigilant and adhere strictly to all preventive guidelines to safeguard public health against this formidable microscopic threat.