Brain of 5-year-old girl in Kerala eaten by water-dwelling microorganism amoeba, swimmers beware
Naegleria fowleri is called the brain-eating amoeba
Amoeba does not breed in dirty but fresh clean water
Fresh water from rivers, lakes, springs and swimming pools may contain a microorganism called Naegleria fowleri. There has been a sensational revelation that this particular type of amoeba is called brain eating amoeba as it enters the brain through the nose and eats the brain cells.
While bathing or diving in fresh water, if the water contains amoeba, it is most likely to reach the brain through the nose. Recently, a five-year-old girl bathed in a river in Kozhikode, Kerala, died of "brain-eating amoeba" at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode. A brain-eating amoeba caused death on May 20 after taking a bath in the river on May 1.
Amoeba thrives in warm temperatures as high as 40 to 46 degrees
Although experts estimate that only 20 to 25 cases of this rare disease occur in India, swimmers should always be aware that the amoeba can be found in warm fresh water, lakes and rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks or other recreational areas that Infection is also possible where maintenance is poor or minimally chlorinated. Temperatures as high as 115°F (46°C) favor its growth. The possibility of amoeba infection from tap water is very low, but infection can occur from inhaling dust.
Cases of brain-eating amoeba will increase due to climate change
Amoeba is such a micro organism that it cannot be seen by the naked eye. Amoeba can also live in soil and does not need a host for its lifetime. Anyone who contracts the amoeba infection has no chance of survival. Experts believe that the condition in which amoeba develops in the brain is called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Palm destroys the central nervous system of the brain. Hence it is called brain eating amoeba. Only a few cases of eating amoeba are reported in America. Approximately 8 to 10 cases, most of which are in southern states, Florida and Texas.
Most of the victims of eating amoeba are young people because young people are more interested in swimming and water playing, diving etc. Some cases occur during the hot season in northern states. Brain-eating amoeba cases may increase due to climate change.
97% of the patients admitted to the hospital die.
In some cases, the antibody system is activated when Naegleri fowleri amoeba enters the body. In which the antibody is more active, it does not matter. In the remaining cases, death is caused by amoeba eating the brain.
97 percent of patients admitted to the hospital die. Amoeba has entered the brain by its symptoms. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, vomiting, mental confusion etc. Some people experience sensitivity to light called photophobia.
Symptoms of brain eating amoeba begin to appear within 15 days
Symptoms begin to appear within 2 to 15 days after the amoeba enters through the nose. Person-to-person transmission has not been observed. Whether the infection spreads through tissue or organ donation is still under investigation. Brain biopsies and tissue samples can check for the presence of amoeba. The amoeba remains in the nose for several hours during which it can be treated. Once it reaches the brain, no remedy is effective.
Wearing a nose plug while swimming in water should be recommended
In the United States, the Department of Health has advised that nose plugs should be worn while swimming in water. The area around the nose should be cleaned constantly. Sterilized water should be used for that. If you are using tap water directly for drinking, it should be boiled for two minutes and then cooled. If you notice the presence of amoeba in the swimming water, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.
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