Fourth Death from Brain-Eating Amoeba Reported in Kozhikode: Health Authorities on High Alert
Kozhikode is once again at the center of a grave public health concern as a fourth death due to amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) was reported in Kerala within the past month. The latest victim, a man from Mananthavady, was already battling severe liver and kidney complications when he contracted the rare but often fatal infection.
Doctors at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital confirmed that the man succumbed despite receiving intensive care. His death underscores the deadly nature of the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, which thrives in warm, untreated freshwater sources and can cause severe brain infection when contaminated water enters through the nose.
Rising Cases Raise Alarm
Alongside the tragic death, 11 active PAM cases are currently being treated in the state, including three children. One of the most critical cases is a 55-year-old woman who remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The disease, while extremely rare, has shown unusual clustering in Kerala this year, raising concerns about environmental conditions and public health risks.
Government Response
In the wake of this alarming rise, Kerala’s Health Department has issued updated treatment protocols for hospitals and medical practitioners. Efforts are also being stepped up to:
Alert the public about avoiding swimming in stagnant or untreated freshwater bodies.
Strengthen diagnostic capacity to ensure early detection and immediate treatment.
Provide guidance to clinicians on handling suspected cases with high-risk symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, and seizures.
What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
Cause: PAM is caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri.
Transmission: Infection occurs when contaminated water enters through the nose, not by drinking water.
Symptoms: Severe headache, fever, nausea, confusion, seizures, and rapid neurological decline.
Fatality Rate: Over 95%, making prevention and early awareness critical.
Public Health Advisory
Officials urge people to:
Avoid bathing or swimming in warm stagnant waters such as ponds and reservoirs.
Refrain from nasal exposure to untreated water sources.
Seek immediate medical help if symptoms develop after water exposure.
The Bigger Picture
The cluster of deaths in Kozhikode has put Kerala’s health system on alert, much like earlier outbreaks of Nipah virus in the region. While medical advancements may improve survival rates, prevention and public awareness remain the strongest weapons against this invisible killer.
The coming weeks will be crucial in assessing how effectively the state contains this rare but devastating disease.