Brain-Eating Amoeba Claims Another Young Life in Kerala
Kerala is once again grappling with a public health scare as a 9-year-old girl from Kozhikode tragically lost her life to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but devastating brain infection caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri.
This marks the fourth reported case in the state, pushing health authorities to issue urgent warnings and preventive advisories.
What is Naegleria fowleri?
Often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba”, Naegleria fowleri is a free-living microorganism commonly found in warm, untreated freshwater sources such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and poorly maintained swimming pools.
Once it enters the human body through the nose—usually while swimming or bathing—it travels up the nasal passages to the brain, where it causes PAM, a rapidly progressing and often fatal condition.
Symptoms of PAM
The infection typically develops within 1–9 days after exposure. Early symptoms resemble common viral illnesses, making diagnosis difficult:
Severe headache
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Stiff neck
Confusion or hallucinations
Seizures
Coma
Unfortunately, once symptoms begin, the disease progresses very quickly, and survival rates are extremely low.
Current Situation in Kerala
The child from Kozhikode reportedly contracted the infection from contaminated freshwater.
This is the fourth confirmed PAM case in Kerala, with previous cases also linked to bathing in stagnant or untreated water.
Two other individuals—a 3-month-old baby and a 40-year-old man—are currently undergoing treatment for suspected PAM in Kozhikode hospitals.
Health officials have ramped up monitoring and urged the public to avoid swimming in ponds, rivers, or open wells, especially during the monsoon season when water contamination risks are high.
Why is This a Growing Concern?
While PAM cases are rare globally, the fatality rate exceeds 95%. Kerala’s recent cluster of cases is alarming and highlights larger issues:
Public health awareness gaps about waterborne pathogens
Climate change leading to warmer water bodies, creating a favorable environment for amoebic growth
Sanitation challenges in rural and semi-urban areas
Experts warn that climate shifts and poor water management could increase the risk of such infections in the future.
Precautionary Measures
Health experts advise the public to take the following steps to reduce risk:
✅ Avoid swimming or bathing in stagnant or untreated water✅ Do not allow children to play in contaminated wells, ponds, or lakes✅ Use chlorinated or treated water for swimming pools✅ If using well water, boil or treat it before use✅ Seek immediate medical care if symptoms arise after freshwater exposure
Final Thoughts
The tragic death of the 9-year-old girl in Kozhikode is a stark reminder of the invisible dangers lurking in our natural environment. While PAM remains extremely rare, the fatal outcomes demand urgent preventive action.
For Kerala, this incident underscores the need for:
Stronger public awareness campaigns
Better water treatment infrastructure
Continued surveillance of emerging infectious diseases
As health authorities work to contain the situation, the best defense for the public is awareness and prevention.
