India: Naegleria fowleri infection reported in Malappuram, Kerala child
Health officials in Kerala state, India are reporting a Naegleria fowleri infection in a 5-year-old child from from Munniyur in Malappuram district.
According to a report in The Hindu, the child had taken a bath along with relatives at the Kadalundi river near her home on May 1. She was taken to a pediatrician on May 10 for headache and vomiting. On May 12, the girl again complained of vomiting and nausea and was taken to a private hospital at Chelari. From there, she was shifted to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.
She is currently undergoing medical treatment at the medical college.
A release from the office of Health Minister Veena George said on Wednesday that the best possible treatment would be provided to the girl. There are no effective drugs to treat the infection. However, a combination of drugs that are considered to be effective against the amoeba is being used now. Efforts are also being made to procure effective medicines from abroad.
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba which is a single-celled living organism. It can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals.
Infections can happen when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM (which destroys brain tissue) and is usually fatal. Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.
Naegleria fowleri infections are rare. Most  infections occur from exposure to contaminated recreational water. Cases due to the use of neti pots and the practice of ablution have been documented.
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You cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking contaminated water and the amoeba is not found in salt water.
Initial symptoms of PAM usually start within 1 to 7 days after infection. The initial symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Other symptoms can include stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly.