Kerala Brain-Eating Amoeba: Get Everything To Know About It
At least three people have lost their lives. Behind these deaths in Kerala Brain-Eating Amoeba has been blamed. The brain-eating Amoeba is popularly known as Nigeria Flowerie. It causes a serious brain infection and destroys the tissue, which leads to death. Primary Amoeba meningoencephalitis (PAM) causes the Amoeba to live in the brain.
Kerala Brain-Eating Amoeba and Symptom
The brain-eating Amoeba, Nigeria Flowerie, is scientifically named. These single-celled Amoeba live in the brain and destroy it. They live in warm water, such as ponds, fresh water, lakes, and swimming pools (rarely). They are free-living microorganisms that do not require a host to live.
Moreover, Primary Amoeba Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a condition that develops inside the affected human body. These infections are rare, but almost 97% of the patients do not survive. It is because the symptoms appear in the last stage.
Symptoms of Brain-Eating Amoeba
The major symptoms of this Kerala Brain-Eating Amoeba are:
1. High fever
2. Very painful headache
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Trembling
5. Stiff neck
6. Mental confusion
7. Coma
8. Sensitivity to light
Note: Although, after taking treatment, more than 97% of people have lost their lives due to this Amoeba. It is because the symptoms appear in the last stage. The survival rate is low in this condition.
How does ‘brain-eating amoeba’ infect people?
The Amoeba mainly enters the body in summer. This is because, during the hot summer, people go to ponds, lakes, and more. Sometimes, the Amoeba is present in swimming pools that are not chlorinated enough. So, the Amoeba lives in the infected water and enters the body through the nose. It travels to the brain, slowly expands, eats the tissues and swells up.
Experts say the Amoeba is present due to high environmental temperatures and low water levels. Moreover, it mainly affects weak children. However, drinking the infected water does not affect the brain but can cause other issues. In Kerela, till now, three death cases have been registered due to Nigeria Flowerie.
Most cases are registered in foreign countries and are mainly found in males. But in 2024, it started affecting the Asian region. In India, the cases are registered in Kerala. It is important to avoid going to the open and infected ponds and lakes in summer. Once the Amoeba enters the body, it ends up killing the person. It is because the symptoms appear so late.
Diagnosed, Treatment and Prevention
If you ever feel symptoms inside your body, immediately contact your doctor for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Diagnosis
The doctor recommends a spinal tap to check whether the Amoeba has reached the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for diagnosis. If yes, they prefer a brain biopsy. They take a small sample of your tissue and examine it under microscopy to check whether the Amoeba affected the brain. If yes, they will start further treatment.
Treatment
The symptoms appear in the last stage of infection, which is untreatable. Medicine does not work in this condition. Moreover, doctors use the antifungal amphotericin B to control the infection. Doctors combine amphotericin B, rifampin, fluconazole, and miltefosine. Miltefosine is a drug that helps treat leishmaniasis.
Prevention
1. Avoid swimming in warm freshwater, such as ponds and lakes, especially in the hot summer. If you are swimming, use a face mask to protect your nose from infection. Also, if any lake or water feels infected, strictly avoid swimming in it.
2. Properly chlorinate your swimming pool. This will kill the infected bacteria and Amoebas. If you mistakenly jump into the pool, come out immediately, take a warm bath, and clean your nose.
3. To clean your nasal passage, use clean and purified water. It reduces the chances of infection. The tap water can contain the Amoeba, which infects, so use clean water.
4. If you feel developing Nigeria Flowerie symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Discuss the diagnosis with them and start the treatment. Avoiding the problem can lead to the death of the person.
Last Line
Nigeria Flowerie is another name of Kerala Brain-Eating Amoeba. It is taking people’s lives because it is a deadly Amoeba which eats and destroys the brain tissues. It travels through the nose to the brain and damages it. Moreover, avoid using ponds and lakes in the summer because they live in warm freshwater. Diagnosis and treatment at the right time can save your life.
Also read about: What Can I Do With Rose Petals: Unlock The Benefits Of Rose
