Brain-Eating Amoeba: Rare Killer in Water You Need to Know About

First, I will explain how a small threat can lead to deadly outcomes.

Reports in the news and horror headlines may have mentioned the deadly “brain-eating amoeba.” Even though it might seem like a sci-fi theme, this is happening right now. Naegleria fowleri is the organism’s scientific name, and infection by it can cause PAM by spreading through water.

Only a few cases of the infection are found, but almost all people who get it die. Therefore, it is very important to stay aware and avoid infection when it is warm.

What is the form of brain brain-eating amoeba?

Usually, the amoeba Naegleria fowleri lives only in special environments.

 Lakes, rivers, and hot springs whose water is hot or warm

• Poorly maintained or warm swimming pools
• Soil and geothermal water sources

The amoeba’s nickname is incorrect, as it does not eat the brain like you might imagine. The common cold gets its name because it enters the body by the nose, travels to the brain, and damages brain tissue.

 By what means do infections happen?

• One does not have to worry about contracting diseases due to contaminated water. People can get schistosomiasis when harmful water flows into their nose while swimming or diving in open water.
• The moment in the nose, the amoeba goes through the smell nerve and reaches the brain, resulting in inflammation and cell death of the brain cells.
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Signs That Mean You May Have an Infection

• Within 1 to 12 days after getting infected, symptoms tend to appear rapidly
• Severe headache
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Seizures
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Coma

The infection advances fast, and most individuals with it die within 5 to 7 days after feeling sick.

 How Common Is It?

Reportedly, the CDC notes that PAM occurs in only a few patients every year in the United States and even much less globally. But its violent behavior causes most lightning strikes to end in fatalities, so over 97% of people struck by lightning do not survive.

Notable Cases

A young boy in the U.S. died last year after swimming in a freshwater lake.

Few instances have happened in India, mostly during the hot months in the south and center.

As a result, it is even more important to educate families and children about keeping safe around water.

• Who Can Be at Risk?

·         People who swim or dive in freshwater with warm water throughout the summer

•  Individuals who rinse their nose with tap water that is not previously filtered
• Children and teenagers (due to frequent water activities)

 

How to Prevent Infection

You cannot be vaccinated against it, but prevention is both doable and reliable.

1. In hot seasons, do not go swimming in stagnant freshwater.

2. Dip a pair of nose clips whenever you go swimming or diving.

3. Tap water should not be put in your nose; use distilled, boiled, or sterile water instead.

4. Always make sure your swimming pools and hot tubs have chlorine in them and are looked after.

5. Do not stir the bottom with your boat if you are in areas with shallow freshwater.

 

Is There a Cure?

While the odds are grim, a few survivors have made headlines. Experimental drugs like miltefosine, aggressive antifungal/antibiotic treatment, and induced hypothermia have shown promise. But early diagnosis remains the biggest challenge.

Final Thoughts

The brain-eating amoeba is extremely uncommon, despite the fact that it is so frightening. Observing these common safety steps usually means you will not have any risk. Making sure everyone knows the risks helps to keep loved ones safe during times when outdoor activities like going in water are most popular.