Brain Eating Amoeba Infection in India- Full Details
In Kerala, over the last two months, there have been four cases of infection which is rare but deadly at the same time. The infection is called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). On July 5, a 14-year-old boy from Thikkodi in the Kozhikode district tested positive for the infection. His condition is now reported stable as he is receiving treatment. The infection has caused three deaths so far. A 12-year-old named E.P. Mridul died on July 3. A 13-year-old named V. Dakshina died on June 12. A 5-year-old named Fadva died on May 20. These deaths caused by brain-eating amoeba have caused great concern and fear among people.
What is a Brain-Eating Amoeba?
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by an organism called Naegleria fowleri. This organism lives in freshwater and soil where the climate is warm. The organism enters human bodies by entering through the nose. After getting inside the human body, Naegleria fowleri travels through the nerves to reach the brain, after reaching the brain it causes serious damage to the brain tissue and causes serious swelling. Ameba bacteria in water are very common in places where the temperature is in their favor and where they can thrive easily. This amoeba likes warm temperatures and it can be found in warm freshwater places like rivers or lakes, surf parks, and other water areas where the temperature is up to 46 degrees Celsius.
Naegleria fowleri is mainly found in Kerala, India, mainly because of the warm and humid tropical environment which is perfect for its growth. During the rainy season, heavy rainfalls raise water levels in lakes and rivers where this amoeba can thrive.
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How Does the Brain-Eating Amoeba Spread and Infect People?
Naegleria fowleri can infect people when it comes into contact with the human body and enters the nose. The amoeba infects people when it enters through the nose like during diving or swimming in freshwater where the organism amoeba thrives. However, People can not get infected by Naegleria fowleri if they drink contaminated water. Amoeba bacteria can not infect a person through the digestive system. The infection only occurs when the amoeba enters through the nose. The infection is not contagious and can not be spread like other contagious diseases.
What are the Main Symptoms of Infection Caused by Brain-Eating Amoeba?
Infection caused by amoebic meningitis can show some symptoms including headache, fever, seizures, and vomiting. These are the early symptoms. If you feel these symptoms after getting in contact with contaminated water, it is better to go to a doctor. Loss of balance, stiff neck, seizures, confusion, not paying attention to people and surroundings and hallucinations are the later symptoms that show the infection is getting worse. So it is very important to go to a doctor if amoebic meningitis early symptoms show up.
What are the treatments for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis?
Since cases of ameba infection emerged recently, there is no effective treatment for the infection yet. Doctors use several drugs like amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone but these treatments do not always work well.
Ameba brain infection is very dangerous and deadly. So it is important to take care of your safety and resist going swimming and other water activities.
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How to Protect Yourself From Brain-Eating Amoeba?
Since it is confirmed that Naegleria fowleri can only infect people by entering their nose, you can protect yourself by not entering into any water source like a pool, river, or lake where water is not clean. So letting your children play in water can be dangerous. Even if they do, monitor their water activities closely or wash their nose with warm water. Make sure they avoid water contact with their nose.
Health authorities are also warning people to be careful about the brain-eating amoeba and consulting a doctor when amoeba brain eating symptoms show up.
Conclusion
The brain-eating amoeba has already caused deaths, so it is very important to keep yourself and your family safe from this deadly organism. By staying aware and taking action early you can reduce the risks of this serious infection. It is the only way to save yourself and your loved ones from this serious infection.
