New Delhi: After the entry of monsoon, a strange disease has also knocked in Kerala. Many people have died due to this disease which attacks people’s brain. In the last 1 month, three such cases have come to light, in which people who fell victim to ‘brain eating amoeba’ lost their lives.
‘Brain eating amoeba’ is being called lethal amoebic meningoencephalitis, which is caused by a bacteria called Naegleria fowleri. Recently, a 3-month-old girl died due to this disease. At the same time, in August, a 52-year-old woman and a 9-year-old girl lost their lives.
Kerala government launched a campaign
Due to the increasing threat of ‘brain eating amoeba’, the Kerala government has launched a “Water is Life” chlorination campaign. Under this campaign, wells, water tanks, public bathing places are being cleaned.
How does this disease spread?
‘Brain eating amoeba’ thrives in fresh water places like ponds, lakes, wells, rivers and low chlorinated pools. This disease spreads rapidly in the summer and monsoon months. Often while bathing, swimming or during irrigation, this amoeba enters the body and directly attacks the brain, due to which people become victims of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
People who fall prey to PAM have very low chances of survival. The mortality rate from this disease worldwide is 95-98 percent. This disease is seen in 20 countries including India. In 2024, 36 cases of ‘brain eating amoeba’ were reported in Kerala, out of which 9 people died.
Symptoms of ‘brain eating amoeba’
Some people in Kerala have been saved by early detection of ‘brain eating amoeba’ and immediate treatment. The symptoms of this disease appear within 1-12 days. Problems like high fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and tremors are seen in it.
How to prevent?
To avoid ‘brain eating amoeba’, the Kerala government has launched an awareness campaign in the state. This disease can be avoided by staying away from bathing in public places, swimming, stagnant water, rivers and pools. At the same time, instead of drinking water directly from the tap, it would be safer to drink boiled water.