A 15-year-old boy who was undergoing treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare infection of the central nervous system caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as ‘brain-eating amoeba’, died at Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Alappuzha, on Thursday night.
The deceased was identified as a native of Panavally in Cherthala taluk. Officials said the patient was admitted to the hospital almost a week ago in critical condition. The teenager had also contracted leptospirosis, said an MCH official.
PAM infections are not spread from one person to another. Health Minister Veena George said that there was no cause for concern. Ms. George said the preliminary tests of samples collected from the victim had tested positive for PAM. The samples have been sent to Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research for detailed examination, she said.
