In view of amoebic meningoencephalitis (or brain fever) cases, the Kerala health department recently issued an advisory, advising Sabarimala devotees to be cautious and prevent water from entering nose. Since pilgrims will be coming in for the annual pilgrimage, which started from November 17, the department also said that pilgrims undergoing any medical treatment should carry their medical records and medicines. They also stressed that those on medication should continue taking their treatment during pilgrimage also.
The state government's advisory didn't mention any specific reason to observe caution while bathing in river. However, a similar directive was issued in the state when a spike in brain fever cases was witnessed.
As part of the advisory, pilgrims have been advised to climb slowly, take breaks and seek medical aid if they experience chest pain, weakness, or breathlessness. Among the precautionary measures, it has also been advised to drink boiled water, wash hands before eating, consume fruits only after washing and avoid eating stale food.
Are you someone who is wondering what exactly is brain fever? What are its symptoms? Well, Moneycontrol's team reached out to Dr Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant & HOD, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, to understand more about it.
What is brain fever?
"Amoebic meningoencephalitis, commonly referred to as brain fever, is a life-threatening and rapidly spreading inflammation of the brain due to rare but very virulent organisms like Naegleria fowleri. The fever is caused via nasal cavity after people inhale polluted freshwater and ultimately it gets to the brain, causing serious damage of the tissue," said Dr Pandit.
The doctor told Moneycontrol that this fever has a sudden onset and a high mortality rate. "This explains why this fever is a significant public health concern, especially in areas that have a warm climate, poor water sanitation or areas that have a high exposure to uncontrolled natural water bodies," he added.
Symptoms of brain fever
The doctor warned that the symptoms of brain fever are usually subtle, but when they grow manifold they do so at a disturbing rate. "The initial symptoms are high grade fever, severe headache, nausea and continuous vomiting. As the infection spreads, patients can experience stiffness in the neck area, increased sensitivity to light, and changes in mental states and behavioural disorders," Dr Pandit warned.
He also added that these symptoms are usually accompanied by a neurological deterioration which is characterised by seizures, confusion and reduced consciousness. "The speed of deterioration in hours of its development is the main feature of amoebic brain fever. The disease often progresses to coma and can prove to be fatal unless it is immediately treated," added the doctor.
Precautions one must take
If you want to avoid getting brain fever, then the doctor suggested that you need to minimise your exposure to polluted freshwater sources. "It is important to avoid swimming, diving or putting the head in warm lakes, ponds and poorly-kept pools. Unavoidable contact can be reduced with the help of nose clips or by making sure that the water does not get inside the nostrils," emphasised the doctor.
1. The doctor also advised that one can conduct regular chlorination.
2. Plus, cleaning of wells, tanks and domestic water storage systems can also prove to be crucial in reducing contamination.
3. People must follow news on popular health warnings, especially in summer seasons.
4. People must be cautious when taking part in religious practices or exercises that require the use of freshwater.
Treatment of brain fever
Brain fever is a condition that must be treated with aggression and urgency because the infection develops very fast, the doctor told Moneycontrol.
"Usually the treatment involves giving patients a mix of strong antimicrobial and antifungal drugs, like amphotericin B and miltefosine. However, so far, these medications which have not proved to be effective," added the doctor.
The kind of supportive care that is essential is offering a supportive environment where the patient may need respiratory support, brain swelling management and constant neurological evaluation.
Cerebrospinal fluid tests allow the early detection of the disease and create a possibility of survival, but the results are poor. Early treatment, as well as high-level critical care, provide the most optimal hope of managing the infection, shared Dr Pandit.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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