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A 14-year-old boy who was being treated for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the ‘brain-eating amoeba’, died at a private hospital in Kerala on Wednesday, state health officials said.
The infection was traced to a small pond where the boy had been swimming, prompting health authorities to take immediate preventive measures.
This is the third reported case of this infection in Kerala since May. The rare but deadly disease has claimed several lives in the state earlier. Under what circumstances can one get affected by it and what are the associated symptoms? We explain:
What is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis?
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled organism that lives in warm fresh water and soil. The amoeba infects humans by entering the body through the nose, usually while swimming. Once inside, it travels to the brain, causing severe damage and inflammation.
The amoeba thrives in temperatures up to 46 degrees Celsius and is found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, poorly maintained swimming pools, water playgrounds, surf parks and other recreational water locations.
How does a ‘brain-eating amoeba’ infect humans?
The ‘brain-eating amoeba’ infects humans by entering through the nose during activities such as swimming. It then migrates to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue and causes swelling.
It is important to know that people cannot become infected by drinking contaminated water and that the virus cannot be transmitted from person to person.
What are the symptoms?
The first symptoms are headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. As the infection progresses, the symptoms can progress to stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations and eventually coma.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. This usually progresses to a coma and death after about five days.
Treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
Currently, there are no definitive treatments for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Doctors use a combination of medications, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone, but these treatments have not been consistently effective.
Previous cases of infection
On May 20, a five-year-old girl from Munniyoor in Malappuram died of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis after bathing in the Munniyoor river. Also, a 12-year-old boy from Ramanattukara, Malappuram, is in critical condition at Baby Memorial Hospital after developing symptoms of fever, headache and vomiting within 5-6 days of bathing in a pond.
(With PTI inputs)
First print: 04 Jul 2024 | 14:05 IST