Brain-eating amoeba kills 18 people in Kerala; if you experience fever and these symptoms, be cautious immediately.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Cases of brain-eating amoeba are once again being reported in Kerala. This year, approximately 69 cases have been reported in Kerala, of which 18 people have died. As scary as the brain-eating amoeba sounds, it is equally dangerous in reality.

This is a dangerous infection that, in most cases, proves fatal. Let's explore how brain-eating amoeba infection occurs, its symptoms, and what precautions are necessary to avoid it.

What is a brain-eating amoeba?

The scientific name for the brain-eating amoeba is Naegleria fowleri. It is typically found in warm, freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and sometimes even swimming pools. This amoeba thrives in heat.

This infection causes a brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It gets the name "brain-eating" because once in the brain, the amoeba begins to damage brain tissue.

What are its symptoms?

Symptoms of this infection usually begin 1 to 9 days after exposure to water. The initial symptoms are similar to those of a common viral fever or meningitis, making it difficult to recognize, but the symptoms progress rapidly.

Early symptoms (first 5 days)-

• severe headache
• Fever
• nausea and vomiting
• stiff neck
• Fatigue and weakness

Later severe symptoms (after the 5th day)

• having a seizure
• state of confusion
• Difficulty focusing
• Losing balance
• slip into a coma

The worrying thing is that this infection progresses very rapidly and death usually occurs within 1 to 18 days of symptom onset. Therefore, if someone has a high fever and headache and has recently been swimming in warm freshwater, it's crucial to immediately inform a doctor.

What are the methods of prevention?

This infection is very difficult to treat, so prevention is the best and only solution.

• Swim with your nose closed – Use a nose clip when swimming in warm, freshwater lakes, ponds, or rivers. This will prevent water from entering your nose.
• Keep your head above water – Avoid diving or plunging into water while swimming or bathing, especially in areas where the water is warm and still.
• Use boiled water - Use only boiled, filtered, or sterilized water for nasal rinses at home. Do not use tap water directly into your nose.
• Swimming pool cleaning – Make sure that the water in your home swimming pool is properly chlorinated and filtered.
• Be aware – avoid swimming in water sources that are warm, shallow, and stagnant during hot weather, and where water quality is unknown.

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