Alert issued in Kozhikode against rare brain fever, Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
The Health department in Kerala's Kozhikode district has issued an alert against Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) following the reporting of three infection cases and one death recently. District Medical Officer K.K. Rajaram stated that while the mortality rate of this rare brain infection is very high, it does not transmit from person to person. PAM is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba, and people typically get infected by swimming or bathing in stagnant waters. The alert aims to raise awareness and prevent further cases in the region.
Key Points
- An alert has been issued in Kozhikode, Kerala, due to cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- PAM is a rare but highly fatal brain infection, though it is not transmitted from person to person.
- The infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba.
- People contract PAM by exposure to stagnant waters, typically through swimming or bathing.
Exam Facts
- Disease: Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).
- Causative agent: Naegleria fowleri (free-living amoeba).
- Location: Kozhikode, Kerala.
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