A 15-year-old boy in Kerala’s Alappuzha district has succumbed to primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare brain infection. PAM is caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba found in warm freshwater bodies. The infection is contracted when contaminated water enters the body through the nose.
The boy’s tragic death has raised concerns about the presence of this deadly amoeba in local water sources. Health authorities in Kerala may be taking necessary measures to prevent further cases and raise awareness about the risks associated with freshwater activities.
It is crucial for the public to follow safety guidelines, such as avoiding nasal contact with untreated water and using nose clips or plugs while swimming or diving. Additionally, efforts may be made to improve water treatment and monitoring systems to minimize the spread of such infections.