Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
PAM is caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that thrives in warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers.
It can also survive in poorly maintained swimming pools in rare cases.
Because it can infect the brain and destroy the tissues, this one-celled organism is also called ‘brain-eating amoeba’.
These infections, though rare, are fatal and 97% of the patients don’t survive.
The infection happens when people go for a swim in lakes, ponds or rivers, during summer.
Experts say that it could occur if the atmospheric temperature is high and the water levels are low.
The amoeba enters the body through the nose and reaches up to the brain.
It destroys brain tissues and causes their swelling.
In recent cases, children are found more vulnerable to it.
Measures Taken by Kerala
Kerala established a group to create guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of amoebic meningoencephalitis.
The state implemented a treatment regimen, including the drug Miltefosine, which improved survival rates significantly.
Clinicians were encouraged to check for amoeba in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples during acute encephalitis cases, enhancing early detection.
Significance of Awareness
The health department is focusing on awareness campaigns to inform the public about risks associated with water bodies and safety precautions.
Guidelines include avoiding diving into unknown waters, using nasal plugs while swimming, and using sterilized water for nasal irrigation.
Raising awareness about the symptoms and risks is crucial, as early diagnosis can be life-saving in cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis.
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