Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)/Brain-Eating Amoeba/UPSC daily Current Affairs-18 August 2025

Why in news ? Kerala’s Health Department has issued an alert in Kozhikode district after three consecutive cases of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) — a rare but deadly infection caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, commonly called the “brain-eating amoeba.”

• A 9-year-old girl has died, while two others, including a three-month-old baby, are battling for their lives.

• The infection spreads when the amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually from contaminated fresh water. It does not spread from person to person.

• Kerala has reported eight confirmed PAM cases since 2016, with a survival rate of only 3%.

• In 2023 alone, Kerala recorded 36 positive cases of different rare amoebic infections, with a mortality rate of 97%.

• This year’s cases in Kozhikode came from different parts of the district, showing no common source of infection.

Brain-Eating Amoeba (Naegleria fowleri)

• A free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater (lakes, ponds, rivers, poorly chlorinated pools, hot springs).

• Scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri.

• Called “brain-eating amoeba” because it destroys brain tissue after entering through the nasal cavity.

• Not transmitted person-to-person.

• Enters the body only through the nose, usually when people swim or dive in contaminated water.

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM):

• Definition: A rare but serious brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.

• First reported: 1965 (globally), 1971 (India).

• Fatality rate: ~97% worldwide. Only a few known survivors.

• Symptoms (appear 1–12 days after exposure):

• Severe headache
• Fever
• Nausea & vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Rapid progression to coma and death (usually within 5–7 days).