Brain Eating Amoeba: Dangerous brain eating amoeba is a germ that enters the body through the nose and directly attacks the brain. The disease caused by this is very serious and often proves fatal.

Such cases were also reported some time ago in Kerala, India. According to doctors, this amoeba is mostly found in warm and clean looking water. Especially in water sources like lake, pond or river. If water enters through the nose, this amoeba reaches the brain directly through the veins.

The biggest problem of this disease is that initially its symptoms seem like common flu – like fever, vomiting or headache. But within a few days the condition worsens and the risk of death increases greatly. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this and adopt easy methods of prevention.

What is brain eating amoeba?

Brain eating amoeba is called Naegleria fowleri in scientific language. It is a very small creature, which cannot be seen with the eyes. It is mostly found in warm and fresh water like pond, lake or river. This amoeba does not enter one’s body by drinking water, but reaches the brain by inhaling through the nose. There it starts eating the brain cells. This is why it is called “brain eating amoeba”. Very few people get this disease, but if it happens then it is very difficult to escape. Therefore it is not right to take it lightly.

recent new case

A person was skiing in the lake. During that time water went into his nose and he got brain eating amoeba infection. Within a few days his condition deteriorated and he died. The health department there immediately issued a warning and advised people to remain alert. In India too, three cases have been reported in Kerala. This shows that this disease is not limited to foreign countries only.

Symptoms of this disease

The symptoms of this disease appear absolutely normal initially. As –

• high fever
• vomiting and nausea
• severe headache
• stiff neck

After some time the symptoms become more dangerous, such as –

• lose consciousness or become confused
• seizures
• not seeing things clearly
• go into coma

These symptoms usually appear 2 to 15 days after infection. The problem is that the disease progresses very quickly and often causes death.

Why is this disease so dangerous?

Brain eating amoeba is dangerous because it directly attacks the brain. When it enters through the nose, it reaches the brain and causes damage to it. This disease does not spread by drinking water nor does it pass from one person to another. But whenever someone shows symptoms and has recently gone into water like a lake or pond, one should immediately consult a doctor. If there is even a slight delay in starting treatment, it becomes difficult to save life. This is the reason why doctors constantly advise people to be cautious.

easy ways to prevent

The biggest solution is prevention from this disease. Keep some simple things in mind –

• Wear a nose clip while swimming in a lake, pond or river, so that water does not go inside.
• Try to keep your head above water while swimming.
• Avoid swimming in a lake or pond in summer or when water levels are low.
• Always use boiled or filtered water to clean the nose with a neti pot. Never drink raw tap water.
• Avoid stirring up sediment (mud) in deep water, as amoeba may hide there.