Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in the Western Province

Six cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis were diagnosed and treated at the Balimo Health Centre between December 1986 and September 1988. This disease has not previously been reported in Papua New Guinea although from information derived from other studies it should be occurring in the lowlands of Papua New Guinea from time to time. Although less than optimum treatment was given to the early cases the case fatality rate in the series was only 66%. This compares very favorably with a case fatality rate of nearly 100% from other studies. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment should help to reduce mortality.