What is Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but serious brain infection caused by a microscopic amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba lives in warm freshwater like lakes, rivers, hot springs, and sometimes in poorly treated swimming pools.
How Does Infection Occur?
The infection happens when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose, usually during activities like swimming or diving in warm freshwater. The amoeba then travels to the brain, causing severe inflammation and damage.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start 1 to 9 days after exposure and progress rapidly, including:
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of balance
- Coma
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis is made by testing cerebrospinal fluid for the amoeba.
- Treatment is difficult and requires aggressive antifungal and antiparasitic drugs, but the infection is often fatal.
Prevention
- Avoid getting water up the nose during swimming in warm freshwater.
- Use nose clips or keep your head above water.
- Use sterile water for nasal rinsing.