Suspected case of naegleria fowleri (Primary amebic meningo-encephalitis)

Naegleria a rapidly developing and highly lethal primary amoebic meningo-encephalitis,(pam) is caused by naegleria fowleri found in warm bodies of water. the first case of naegleria in pakistan was reported in june 2008; thereafter a total of 13 cases have been reported at agha khan university hospital,karachi. we report a suspected case of primary amebic meningo-encephalitis in a child at vehari who had swum in thermal spring recreational area. patient was referred to tertiary care unit after initial resuscitation but didn’t survive. the diagnosis of pam needs high degree of suspicion and necessitates early intervention to reduce mortality. also there is an increased need for preventive measures in the form of chlorination of water to prevent this lethal and currently untreatable infection. © 2007 pakistan pediatric journal. all rights reserved.