The devouring of the brain When swimming, amoeba enter the body through the nose, make its way to the brain, and cause swelling by destroying brain tissue.
On Wednesday, state health officials in Kerala announced the death of a 14-year-old boy receiving treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare ailment brought on by Naegleria fowleri, often known as the “brain-eating amoeba,” in a private hospital.
The youngster had been swimming in a tiny pond that was linked to the sickness, so health officials took quick action to prevent it.
Since May, there have been three cases of this virus documented in Kerala. Numerous people in the state have already lost their lives to the rare but deadly illness. What conditions make it a problem, and what are the symptoms that go along with it? We clarify:
What Is Meningoencephalitis Caused By Amoeba Primary?
Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled bacterium that inhabits warm fresh water and soil and is the cause of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Usually while swimming, the amoeba enters the body through the nose and infects humans. After entering, it proceeds to the brain, where it causes extreme inflammation and damage.
The warm freshwater habitats of lakes, rivers, unkempt swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, and other recreational water venues are home to the amoeba, which can survive in temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius.
How Can “Brain-Eating Amoeba” Infections Occur In Humans?
When engaging in activities like swimming, the “brain-eating amoeba” enters an individual’s nose through the nasal cavity. After that, it moves to the brain, where it produces swelling and damages brain tissue.
It is crucial to understand that the infection cannot spread from person to person and cannot be contracted by drinking polluted water.
What Signs And Symptoms Does It Have?
The initial symptoms consist of vomiting, nausea, fever, and headache. The symptoms of the illness might worsen with time, leading to a stiff neck, disorientation, convulsions, hallucinations, and finally coma.
The majority of patients with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis pass away between one and eighteen days after symptoms start; typically, a coma sets in and death occurs after approximately five days, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis Treatment
There are no proven cures for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis at this time. A variety of medications, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone, are used by doctors, but their efficacy has not always been demonstrated.
Previous Instances Of Infection
A five-year-old Munniyoor, Malappuram girl, passed away on May 20 from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis following a bath in the Munniyoor river. In addition, after swimming in a pond for five to six days, a 12-year-old kid from Ramanattukara, Malappuram, started experiencing symptoms like fever, headaches, and vomiting. He is currently in serious condition at Baby Memorial Hospital.
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