Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM): A Rare but Deadly Brain Infection
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science & Technology (Health & Diseases - particularly diseases in news, microorganisms), General Science (Biology).
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Awareness in the fields of Bio-technology.
GS Paper 2: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Key Highlights from the News
Main Event: The Health Department issued a vigilance directive following the reporting of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) in Kozhikode district, Kerala.
Causative Agent: The disease is caused by a free-living amoeba called Naegleria fowleri.
Mode of Transmission:
The amoeba enters the body through the nose and reaches the brain when bathing or swimming in stagnant waters.
This disease is not transmitted from person to person.
Higher Risk Group: Children are at a higher risk of contracting this disease because their skull's cribriform plate is more porous.
Main Symptoms: Severe headache, fever, vomiting, and neck stiffness are the main symptoms.
Preventive Measures: Avoid bathing in stagnant water, and use nose clips while swimming.
COMMENTS