Kerala Reports Two New Fatalities from Brain-Eating Amoeba, Total Three in August

Recent Fatalities Highlight Ongoing Health Concern

Two more individuals have tragically died in Kerala, India, after being infected with the rare but deadly brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. These recent deaths, which occurred within a short span, bring the total number of fatalities from this amoeba in the state for the month of August to three. The victims include an infant and an adult woman, underscoring the severe risk posed by this microorganism, particularly when encountered in contaminated water sources.

The health department in Kerala has been on high alert following these incidents, issuing renewed warnings and stepping up preventive measures. The presence of Naegleria fowleri typically indicates a need for enhanced vigilance regarding water quality and public safety practices, especially in areas where fresh water bodies might be warmer or stagnant.

Understanding Naegleria Fowleri and PAM

Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs. It is often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba” because it can cause a severe brain infection called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). This infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually during activities like swimming, diving, or even using contaminated water for nasal rinsing.

Once inside the nasal passages, the amoeba travels up to the brain, where it causes inflammation and destruction of brain tissue. Symptoms of PAM typically appear within one to nine days after infection and can include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and confusion. The disease progresses rapidly and is almost always fatal, making early diagnosis and treatment extremely challenging. While rare, the high mortality rate associated with PAM makes any reported cases a significant public health concern.

Preventive Measures and Public Health Response

In response to the recent deaths, health authorities in Kerala have reiterated the importance of public awareness and preventive actions. Key measures include advising residents to avoid swimming or bathing in stagnant or untreated water bodies, especially during warmer periods when amoebae are more active. There is also a strong emphasis on ensuring that wells and other water sources used for domestic purposes are properly chlorinated and maintained to reduce the risk of contamination.

The amoeba cannot cause infection if swallowed; the risk is primarily through nasal exposure. Therefore, people are advised to use boiled and cooled water or filtered water for nasal rinsing, religious ablutions, or any activity where water might enter the nose. Health officials are working to identify potential sources of contamination and to implement community-wide disinfection efforts where necessary, aiming to safeguard public health against this deadly pathogen.

What happens next

Health officials in Kerala are expected to continue their surveillance and public awareness campaigns. This includes monitoring water sources, particularly those identified as high-risk, and ensuring that proper sanitation and chlorination protocols are strictly followed. Public education will remain a priority to inform communities about the dangers of Naegleria fowleri and the necessary precautions to prevent infection. Continued efforts will focus on preventing further cases and responding swiftly to any new reports, aiming to protect residents from this severe and often fatal disease.