Tragic Death from Naegleria Fowleri in Kerala
A 15-year-old boy from Kerala’s Alappuzha district has succumbed to a rare and fatal brain infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. The teenager, identified as Gurudath, had been receiving treatment at the Alappuzha Medical College hospital since July 1 after experiencing severe symptoms such as fever and seizures.
Details of the Infection:
- Cause: Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism commonly found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It enters the human body through the nose when individuals swim or dive in contaminated water, causing a brain infection known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- Symptoms: Initial symptoms of PAM include severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. As the infection progresses, symptoms can escalate to altered mental status, hallucinations, and even coma.
- Fatality Rate: The infection is highly lethal, with a 97% fatality rate. Most patients die within days of symptom onset, despite aggressive treatment efforts.
Preventive Measures:
Health officials recommend avoiding swimming in warm freshwater bodies, especially during high temperatures, and using nose clips to prevent water from entering the nasal passages. Ensuring that swimming pools and water parks are properly maintained is also crucial.
Government Response:
Kerala Health Minister Veena George has assured the public that PAM is not contagious and emphasized the rarity of such infections. The state has previously recorded five cases of PAM, all of which were fatal. Samples from the patient have been sent for detailed examination to understand the outbreak better and enhance preventive measures.