Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
PAM is caused by Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that thrives in warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers.
It can also survive in poorly maintained swimming pools in rare cases.
Because it can infect the brain and destroy the tissues, this one-celled organism is also called ‘brain-eating amoeba’.
These infections, though rare, are fatal and 97% of the patients don’t survive.
How does the amoeba infect people?
The infection happens when people go for a swim in lakes, ponds or rivers, during summer.
Experts say that it could occur if the atmospheric temperature is high and the water levels are low.
The amoeba enters the body through the nose and reaches up to the brain.
It destroys brain tissues and causes their swelling.
In recent cases, children are found more vulnerable to it.
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