Within few days, the number of cases with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) has risen to 8 cases, bringing the total of PAM cases in Kerala to 28 suspected and 11 confirmed cases.
PAM is a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, it is almost always fatal. The ameba live in warm fresh water and soil around the world. The risk of a Naegleria fowleri infection is very low.
The Kerala Health Department has issued an alert in Kozhikode district for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Keep your head above water in hot springs and other naturally hot (geothermal) water.
Avoid digging in, or stirring up, sediment in shallow, warm fresh water. Naegleria fowleri ameba are more likely to live in sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds, and rivers.