Kerala's Alappuzha reports rare case of amoebic brain illness

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture, and specialized laboratory tests to detect the presence of Naegleria fowleri DNA or antigens.

Alappuzha: In Kerala's coastal district of Alappuzha, a case of a rare brain infection brought on by a free-living amoeba that dwells in contaminated waters was reported on Friday, according to a government release. A 15-year-old native of Alappuzha was infected with the disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, said a government release. The disease was earlier reported in the Alappuzha municipality area six years ago. 

In 2017, the Alappuzha municipality region had previously recorded cases of the sickness, according to health officials.

The local health officials have warned residents to stay away from bathing in contaminated water due to the severity of the sickness. Fever, headache, vomiting, and seizures are the main signs and symptoms of the illness.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but severe brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools. PAM is typically acquired when contaminated water enters the nose and allows the amoeba to travel to the brain.

Once the Naegleria fowleri amoeba reaches the brain, it causes inflammation of the meninges (the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) and the brain itself. The infection progresses rapidly and can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including severe headache, fever, stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Unfortunately, PAM is often fatal, with very few reported cases of survival.