In Kerala, the Naegleria Fowalei, usually called “brain-eating” amoeba, has led to 69 cases infected. 19 people have died in this. State Health Minister Veena George said in the assembly on Wednesday that three deaths occurred in recent months, including a three -month -old baby.
Amibic meningo ensncyphilitis (Pam) is a rare but malignant central nervous system infection, which is caused by free-living amoebas found in freshwater, lakes and rivers. There were 36 cases and 9 deaths in Kerala last year. The pattern of cases is different this year; Like last year, clusters connected to the same water source are not visible, but all these are different and isolated cases, which has made the investigation into epidemics complicated.
The government has now started chlorating wells, reservoirs and public bathing sites, so that the risk of people coming in contact with amoeba can be reduced. Globally, the possibility of avoiding Pam is about 3 percent, but due to advanced testing and diagnosis in Kerala, this rate has reached 24 percent. The government document states that the water temperature is rising due to climate change and people are spending more time in water sports due to the heat, which is increasing the possibility of contact with this pathogen.
