Brain-Eating Amoeba: What It Is and How to Stay Safe – Early Signs and Prevention Tips
The brain-eating amoeba is a microbe that has the potential to cause brain damage. The name of the microbe is Naegleria Fowleri which causes Primary Meninges Encephalitis or PAM. With 90% of incidence of fatality, once it moves into the human brain, it can destroy the brain tissues and can cause inflammation and swelling to the brain with increased CSF pressure and swelling.
As it moves to the human brain, it can destroy the brain tissue and causes inflammation, swelling and it occurs within 2 weeks. This disease is caused by brain-eating amoeba. It is a rare and life-threatening infection which should be the primary concern for all of us now. Risk factors include fresh water swimming, using contaminated tap water, exposure, soil exposure and many more
Naegleria Fowleri is commonly formed in warm and fresh water, rivers, lake and soil. It causes a significant threat to individuals who swim in these water or dive into such waters. When contaminated water containing this amoeba enters the body through nose, it makes it way to brain, causing the destruction to brain tissue. In medical language, this is called primary amoebic meninges encephalitis or simply Pam.
Symptoms of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
The symptoms of PAM typically appear about 5 days after infection. They include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms like stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations and coma can occur. Unfortunately, the rapid progression of the disease often leads to death within days of the symptoms on set.
First of all, serious infection from the amoeba is rare. This brain-eating amoeba is called Naegleria Fowleri. This single-celled Organism is found around the world in warm water.
Preventions to be taken to avoid infection caused by brain-eating amoeba
Naegleria Fowleri is a rare but deadly amoeba that causes an infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). it is a brain-eating amoeba that enters the body through the nose and can cause severe brain inflammation.
If someone suspects they have been exposed to Naegleria fowleri or experiencing symptoms such as severe headache, fever, vomiting and stiff neck after recent freshwater exposure, they should seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment may approve the chances of survival. Prevention is the best approach to avoid infection as the infection is very difficult to treat once it occurs.
- Avoiding warms stagnant bodies of freshwater especially during hot weather
- Refraining from activities that involve diving, jumping or submerging the head in warm freshwater bodies
- Using nose clips for holding the nose shut when engaging in water activities
- Using properly maintained and disinfected swimming pools or water parks
- Boiling or using distilled water for activity
Diagnosis of Brain-Eating Amoeba
Infection with amoeba is usually confirmed through a laboratory test of the cerebral spinal fluid. the fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord. along with this, individuals affected with the brain-eating amoeba can be diagnosed with the city scan or MRI. This radio graphical testing will give a clear picture of the damage caused by amoeba.
Ways to stay safe from the brain-eating amoeba
Naegleria Fowleri is found in warm fresh water such as lakes and rivers. But it can also be found in sediments. Health officials say you can’t get infected drinking contaminated water. You can only get sick if the water goes up to your nose.
It enters through your nose then it crosses the brain.It destroys the brain tissue which ultimately led to the death of an individual in a very short period of time. The symptoms are very similar to Meningitis and include headache, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck.
Infection from the amoeba is rare where but almost always fable. Experts say that there are somethings you can do to reduce your risk of exposure.
- They might decide not to go swimming and water which is warm and untreated.
- If they get swimming, they might decide to not to put their head underwater.
- If there are nose clips, they might prevent some of that water being forced up.
- The doctors also suggest to avoid diving and jumping into static water.
