A DEADLY BRAIN-EATING amoeba has killed a nine-year-old child and infected two others in Kerala’s Kozhikode
The first case in India was reported in 1971.
The first case in Kerala in 2016.
There have been fewer than 500 cases of PAM (Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis) worldwide since 1965, though it has been reported in every continent except Antarctica.
Pathogen :
Name : Naegleria fowleri.
It is a single-celled organism that lives in warm, fresh water and soils around the world and thrives in high temperatures up to 46°C.
The amoeba is found in lakes and rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, or other recreational venues that are poorly maintained or minimally chlorinated.
Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose, usually when people are swimming.
It travels to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue and causes swelling.
Naegleria fowleri infection cannot come from drinking water contaminated with the amoeba.
Infection :
Name : Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
PAM is non-communicable.
Symptoms :
In the initial stage include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
The patient may later experience a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations and may slip into a coma.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most patients die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin.
Globally reported fatality rate is 97%
Treatment :
Scientists have not identified an effective treatment for the disease yet.
PAM is usually treated with a combination of drugs including amphotericin B, fluconazole, azithromycin, rifampicin, miltefosine and dexamethasone.
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