King Phojanakong was a pioneer of Filipino and Southeast Asian cuisine in New York City. He was the chef and owner of the acclaimed Kuma Inn on the Lower East Side, which served small plates inspired by his family’s heritage for more than 15 years. He was also a former chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, where he shared his passion and wisdom with aspiring cooks. He was widely admired and respected by his peers and customers for his creativity, generosity, and positivity.
Sadly, Phojanakong passed away on January 2, 2023, at the age of 54. The cause of his death was a rare and fatal disease that attacks the brain and nervous system. Here is what you need to know about this tragic loss for the culinary world.
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What is Acanthamoeba?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Acanthamoeba is a microscopic ameba (single-celled living organism) that can cause severe infections in humans. It is found in soil, water, air, and dust. It can enter the body through the nose, eyes, skin, or wounds. It can then travel to the brain and cause a condition called granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), which is a serious inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
GAE is very rare, but it is usually fatal. It can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions. The symptoms of GAE may include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, coma, and death. There is no specific treatment for GAE, and the diagnosis is often difficult and delayed.
How did Phojanakong get infected?
It is not clear how Phojanakong contracted Acanthamoeba. His wife, Annabel Nau-Phojanakong, told Eater NY that he had been feeling unwell since November 2022. He had visited several doctors and hospitals, but none of them could identify the cause of his illness. He was eventually admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital on December 23, 2022, where he underwent multiple tests and scans.
On December 31, 2022, he was diagnosed with GAE caused by Acanthamoeba. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away two days later. His wife said that he had no known risk factors or exposure to contaminated water or soil. She speculated that he might have inhaled the ameba from the air or from his gardening hobby.
How can Acanthamoeba be prevented?
There is no vaccine or preventive medication for Acanthamoeba infection. However, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to the ameba. These include:
- Avoiding contact with untreated water sources such as lakes, ponds, rivers, hot springs, pools, or wells.
- Boiling or filtering water before drinking or using it for cooking or bathing.
- Cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses properly and following the instructions from the eye care provider.
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching the eyes or nose.
- Covering any open wounds or cuts with bandages and avoiding contact with soil or dust.
- Seeking medical attention promptly if any symptoms of GAE occur.
How is Phojanakong being remembered?
Phojanakong’s death has shocked and saddened many people who knew him personally or professionally. He was a beloved husband and father of two children. He was also a mentor and friend to many chefs and restaurateurs in New York City and beyond. He was known for his innovative and delicious dishes that showcased his Filipino and Thai roots. He was also involved in various social causes such as supporting community gardens, promoting healthy eating habits, and teaching culinary skills to young people.
Many people have expressed their condolences and tributes to Phojanakong on social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. Some of his former colleagues and students have also organized fundraisers to help his family with the medical expenses and funeral costs.
Phojanakong’s legacy will live on through his food, his teachings, and his spirit. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
