PAM Disease: In recent times, a very dangerous disease has increased the concern in Kerala and now West Bengal. This disease is known as Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is colloquially known as ‘brain eating amoeba’. Its cause is a parasite named Naegleria fowleri. It directly attacks the human brain and even after starting treatment, the chances of survival are very low.
How did the disease spread?
According to doctors, this parasite is often found in warm water ponds, rivers and lakes. When a person inhales water through the nose while bathing or swimming, then this amoeba reaches the brain and spreads the infection. This disease does not spread from one person to another, but only through water.
rapidly increasing cases
According to the data given in Parliament on Friday, the situation is very worrying. Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav told the Lok Sabha that in 2025, 170 people in Kerala alone would be affected by the disease. Of these, 42 people have died.
This figure is shocking because till September there were a total of 500 cases worldwide, but in just one and a half years, more than 100 cases have been reported in Kerala. According to the minister, 2 cases, 2 deaths in 2023, 39 cases, 9 deaths in 2024 and 170 cases, 42 deaths in 2025. It is clear that this disease has spread rapidly this year.
government action
- Considering the situation as serious, the Health Ministry has taken several steps.
- NCDC of Kozhikode has done a detailed study on this disease.
- ICMR and ICAR are investigating and monitoring it.
- 18 VRDL labs across the country are testing and monitoring this disease.
- State governments have issued warnings asking people to remain alert.
The initial symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection look like normal fever or cold and cough, so people often ignore it. But this mistake can prove costly. Are you dismissing it as a common disease? Be careful! Has a destructive ‘brain-eating amoeba’ made a home in your body? Therefore, be careful as soon as you see these symptoms.
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