PAM Infection: Boy dies of 'brain-eating' amoeba infection in Kerala, third case reported in two months

A 14-year-old boy died due to a rare infectious disease in Kerala. According to media reports, the boy had reportedly gone to bathe in a pond in Kozhikode a few days ago from where he got infected with a dangerous brain-eating amoeba. This rare and dangerous infectious disease is called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Experts say, Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and fatal infectious disease of the brain, usually caused by exposure to contaminated water.

It is worth noting that this is the third death in Kerala due to this infection in the last two months. Earlier in the month of May-June also two girls had died. This infection, commonly known as "brain-eating amoeba", reaches the brain through the nose. This infection does not occur from one person to another.

Know about primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is caused by an infection with an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. This infection begins to destroy brain tissue, leading to severe brain swelling and death in most cases. Data shows that although PAM is rare, it can occur in commonly healthy children, adolescents and young adults.

The risk of infection can be high when contaminated water enters the nose. People who dive into the water have been seen to be at higher risk.

Know about the symptoms of infection
The study report shows that the initial symptoms in the infected are usually flu-like (such as headache, fever, nausea and vomiting). As the disease progresses, the risk of problems caused by it increases. In this condition, there can also be a risk of brain-related problems such as stiff neck, confusion, seizures, coma. These symptoms usually begin within one to 12 days of coming in contact with contaminated water. Symptoms can develop rapidly and the infection can be fatal within five to 18 days.

Alert issued in Kerala

Health experts have alerted about this infectious disease increasing in Kerala. The health department warned people and said, children should avoid bathing in ponds or stagnant water. It is also important to regularly chlorinate the water in swimming pools and water theme parks. There is a risk of this infection due to coming in contact with contaminated water.

(PC: ISTOCK)