Rare Brain Infection known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Reported in Alappuzha, Kerala

▴ Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Reported in Alappuzha
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and potentially fatal infection that affects the brain. It is caused by Naegleria Fowleri, a free-living amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The recent case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in Alappuzha highlights the need for vigilance and awareness regarding waterborne infections

A rare case of a brain infection caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters has been reported in Alappuzha, a coastal district in Kerala, India. The infection, known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, has affected a 15-year-old resident of Alappuzha, as stated in a recent government release. This is the second documented case of the disease in the Alappuzha municipality area, with the previous case dating back six years.

Details of the Infection
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare and potentially fatal infection that affects the brain. It is caused by Naegleria Fowleri, a free-living amoeba commonly found in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Infections typically occur when contaminated water enters the nasal passages during activities like swimming or diving.

The Current Case
According to the government release, a 15-year-old individual from Alappuzha has been diagnosed with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The specific details of the infection, including the source of contaminated water, are yet to be determined. The patient's condition is being closely monitored, and appropriate medical interventions are being administered to treat the infection.

Past Incidence
This recent case follows a previous occurrence of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in the Alappuzha municipality area six years ago. Such incidents are extremely rare, and the emergence of this infection in the region has raised concerns among healthcare authorities and the local community.

Preventive Measures and Awareness
To minimize the risk of amoebic infections, health officials stated the importance of following preventive measures which include avoiding activities that involve the entry of water into the nasal passages, such as diving or jumping into warm freshwater bodies. Additionally, maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of water sources and proper chlorination can help reduce the presence of amoebae in contaminated waters.


The recent case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in Alappuzha highlights the need for vigilance and awareness regarding waterborne infections. Healthcare authorities are actively working to manage and treat the infection while promoting preventive measures within the community. Continued efforts in education, water safety, and timely medical intervention are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with rare amoebic infections and ensure the well-being of individuals in the region

Tags : #Meningoencephalitis #Amoebic #NaegleriaFowleri #Alappuzha #kerela #freshwater #amoeba #braininfection #braindisease #medicircle

About the Author


Sunny Parayan

Hey there! I'm Sunny, a passionate writer with a strong interest in the healthcare domain! When I'm not typing on my keyboard, I watch shows and listen to music. I hope that through my work, I can make a positive impact on people's lives by helping them live happier and healthier.

View Profile

Related Stories

Loading Please wait...

-Advertisements-




Trending Now

Seminar on RERA: Concerns in Real Estate heldDecember 09, 2023
Commonwealth youth leaders want action, not just rhetoric at COP28December 09, 2023
South India’s biggest Gaushala, Satyam Shivam Sundaram Gau Nivas to conduct Annakut Celebrations on Sunday on the eve of its 23rd AnniversaryDecember 08, 2023
Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Introduces Groundbreaking Service – Preliminary Clinical and Technical Testing for Medical SoftwareDecember 08, 2023
FTCCI to hold a Seminar on RERA: Concerns in Real EstateDecember 08, 2023
Adoption of Public Health Strategies and Early Detection Key for Cancer Mitigation: ExpertsDecember 08, 2023
Are online spaces safe for women?December 08, 2023
Prescribing Equality: Tackling Gender Disparities in India's Healthcare LeadershipDecember 07, 2023
Digitalizing Health: Generative AI's Impact Amplified by AWS Cloud in IndiaDecember 07, 2023
Eyes on the Future: Dr. Agarwal's Group Channels Rs 100 Crore for Cutting-edge Eye Hospitals Across KeralaDecember 06, 2023
Organ Transplant Scandal: Apollo Hospital Faces Government InquiryDecember 06, 2023
Breaking Barriers in Cancer Treatment: Max Healthcare's CAR-T Therapy PartnershipDecember 06, 2023
Exploring the Link Between Covid-19 Vaccination and Sudden Cardiac Arrests: ICMR StudyNovember 22, 2023
Powering the Future: China's Biodegradable Wireless System for Bioelectronic InnovationNovember 22, 2023
IMS BHU Pioneers Advanced Cardiac Care: Unveiling Cutting-Edge Technologies for Precise DiagnosisNovember 18, 2023
Inito's $6 Million Boost: Transforming Women's Health with AI-Backed Fertility MonitoringNovember 18, 2023
Madras High Court Advocates for Equality: PG Medical Students to Receive Incentive Marks for COVID-19 DutyNovember 18, 2023
Next-Gen Healthcare: CarePods and AI Redefine the Patient ExperienceNovember 17, 2023
Air Quality Crisis: Alarming Rise in Premature Births Linked to Air Quality in Begusarai, BiharNovember 17, 2023
Limerick Contest-2023: A Celebration of Wit and PoetryNovember 17, 2023