A five-year-old girl being treated for a rare brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) sadly passed away at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode on Monday, May 20.
What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis?
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a severe and uncommon brain infection caused by a tiny organism called Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba.” This single-celled organism is found in warm freshwater and soil across the globe. It thrives in high temperatures, up to 115°F (46°C), and can live for short periods in warm environments.
Where is Naegleria fowleri Found?
Naegleria fowleri typically lives in warm freshwater bodies like lakes and rivers. It can also be found in poorly maintained or under-chlorinated swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, and other recreational water venues. The infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually while swimming or diving in contaminated water. It is important to note that you cannot get infected by drinking contaminated water, and PAM is not contagious.
How Does Naegleria fowleri Infect People?
The amoeba enters the body through the nose when people are in warm freshwater. From there, it travels to the brain, where it causes significant damage by destroying brain tissue, leading to swelling. In the recent case in Kozhikode, it is believed that the young girl was infected while swimming in a local river on May 1. She had bathed in the river with four other children, but only she developed symptoms, and the other children tested negative for the infection.
Symptoms
The initial symptoms of PAM include:
– Headache
– Fever
– Nausea
– Vomiting
As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, such as:
– Stiff neck
– Confusion
– Seizures
– Hallucinations
– Coma
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. The disease often leads to coma and death within five days after symptoms appear.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no highly effective treatment for PAM. Doctors currently use a combination of drugs to try to combat the infection, including:
– Amphotericin B
– Azithromycin
– Fluconazole
– Rifampin
– Miltefosine
– Dexamethasone
PAM is extremely rare but has been reported in India before. The recent case in Kozhikode marks the seventh known infection in Kerala. In July 2023, a 15-year-old boy died from the infection in Alappuzha. The first case in Kerala was reported in Alappuzha in 2016. Other cases have been found in Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Thrissur.
The presence of numerous water bodies in these regions may contribute to the occurrences of this infection.
The death of the young girl in Kozhikode is a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by Naegleria fowleri. While the infection is extremely rare, it is crucial to be aware of the risks associated with swimming in warm freshwater and to take precautions to protect oneself. Awareness and prompt medical attention are vital in dealing with this deadly infection.