Brain-Eating Amoeba Scare in Kerala: 19 Dead!

Kerala is currently facing a serious health concern with the spread of a rare but deadly infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba. So far, 61 cases have been reported and 19 people have lost their lives. The disease, known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), directly attacks the brain and is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. Doctors warn that this amoeba thrives in warm or stagnant water.

State Health Minister Veena George admitted that this has turned into a major public health challenge. Earlier, most cases were seen in Kozhikode and Malappuram, but now infections are being reported from scattered areas across the state. Patients range from a 3-month-old infant to a 91-year-old adult. Since cases are spread out and not concentrated in one area, research and tracing have become more difficult.

How does this infection spread?

The amoeba lives in contaminated water, especially in wells, tanks, ponds, and other stagnant water sources. It enters the human body through the nose when people swim or bathe in such water. Once inside, it travels straight to the brain. Importantly, drinking contaminated water does not cause the infection.

Symptoms

The early signs look like common meningitis: fever, headache, vomiting, and nausea. But within days, the condition worsens rapidly, leading to brain swelling, confusion, memory loss, and eventually death. Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 9 days after exposure and progress to life-threatening levels within 24 to 48 hours.

Treatment challenges

Very few patients have survived worldwide, and those who did were treated extremely quickly with strong antimicrobial drug combinations. The main issue is that diagnosis is often delayed, making treatment ineffective. Since medicines need to cross the blood-brain barrier, early detection is the only real hope.

Government response

The Kerala government, along with the National Centre for Disease Control, is collecting and testing environmental water samples. Authorities are urging people not to swim or bathe in ponds, wells, or stagnant water. If necessary, nose clips should be used to prevent water entry. Wells and water tanks must be cleaned and chlorinated. Anyone showing symptoms must immediately seek medical help.

Rising concern

From 2016 until recently, Kerala saw only 8 reported cases. But in 2023, the number suddenly jumped to 36 cases with 9 deaths. This year, it has surged further to 61 cases and 19 deaths. Experts warn that global warming, rising water temperatures, and increased water-related activities may lead to more outbreaks in the coming years.