Brain-Eating Amoeba: What It Is and How It Turns Deadly

A recent case in Kerala has raised alarm after a young girl died from the rare and deadly “brain-eating amoeba” (Naegleria fowleri). This microscopic organism, which lives in warm and stagnant water, can enter the human body through the nose and reach the brain, where it causes severe infection. Health experts say it is not an ordinary germ and is mostly found in ponds, lakes, or poorly maintained swimming pools. In the past few years, several such deaths have been reported in Kerala, making it a growing public health concern.

What is a brain-eating amoeba?

Dr. Subhash Giri, from the Department of Medicine at RML Hospital, Delhi, explains that the brain-eating amoeba, called Naegleria fowleri, is a rare but extremely dangerous infection-causing organism. It enters the body through the nose and reaches the brain. If this amoeba enters the body through the nose, it can directly reach the brain — and that is where the real destruction begins.

How does infection from the brain-eating amoeba happen?

Initially, this amoeba climbs up through the nasal nerves and reaches the brain. Once there, it starts destroying brain cells. This infection happens when contaminated water enters inside the nose. Dirty water in swimming pools, ponds, or lakes is especially a risk factor for this.

What are the early symptoms of brain-eating amoeba?

The problem is that in the beginning, the symptoms seem quite common, like those of viral fever. Because of this, most people take it lightly. But as the disease progresses, the patient may suffer seizures, unconsciousness, and the condition becomes extremely critical. Symptoms include severe headache, fever, vomiting, and stiffness in the neck.

Is treatment of brain-eating amoeba possible?

The medical name of this disease is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Unfortunately, its treatment is very difficult, and in almost all the reported cases so far, the death rate has been extremely high. The reason is that once the amoeba reaches the brain, it spreads very rapidly, and most medicines cannot reach there effectively. This is why doctors often have very little time left.

How to protect yourself from brain-eating amoeba?

• Always be cautious if you bathe or swim in rivers, ponds, or lakes.
• Try to prevent water from entering your nose.
• Use only clean and chlorinated swimming pools.
• If water enters your nose, pay attention and clean it immediately.
• Avoid dirty ponds or unchlorinated swimming pools.
• Drink clean water and maintain hygiene.