• UGI USER
  • Jul 01, 2024
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RISE IN MENINGOENCEPHALITIS CASES IN KERALA

Why in the news?

  • Two deaths in Kerala have been attributed to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, with a 5-year-old from Malappuram and a 13-year-old from Kannur succumbing to the infection in May and June.
  • An increase in cases is linked to unhygienic stagnant water and high temperatures
Source: Upscprep

What is primary amebic meningoencephalitis (pam)?

  • Definition: A rare and deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”
  • Cause: Acute brain infection from a free-living amoeba ( Naegleria fowleri, the “brain-eating amoeba,”) found in warm freshwater and soil.
  • Infection Mechanism: Contaminated water enters the nose, travels to the brain, and destroys brain tissue, causing severe swelling.
Contributing Factors

  • The infection thrives in warm, stagnant, and unhygienic water conditions, which have become more prevalent with global warming.
  • Infects individuals through the nose, traveling to the brain and causing tissue destruction and swelling.
  • Vaccination has reduced bacterial meningitis instances, but amoebic meningoencephalitis remains a concern due to similar initial symptoms.