The Brain-Eating Amoeba, scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri, is a parasite found in warm bodies of freshwater, such as lakes, ponds, hotsprings, and rivers. It is also sometimes found in soil, particularly in areas that are in close proximity to industrial plants, unchlorinated swimming pools, or generally in areas where there are warm water discharges.
The brain-eating amoeba cannot be passed from one person to another but it can be highly dangerous to those infected.
How the Brain-Eating Amoeba Infects People
The brain-eating amoeba can enter the human body through the nose. From there, it can start infecting the human central nervous system, climbing along nerve fibers towards the brain. Once this parasite penetrates the brain, it can consume the brain cells resulting to a fatal condition known as Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Infection can usually occur in a person after diving or swimming in lakes, rivers, unchlorinated swimming pools, or in any warm bodies of freshwater. Drinking contaminated water may not result to Naegleria fowleri infection.
Symptoms of Naegleria Fowleri Infection
Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri at its initial stage may mimic the symptoms of bacterial meningitis. At the initial stage of the infection, an infected individual may experience the following:
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Stiff neck
Initial symptoms can be felt by the infected person 1 to 7 days after the occurrence of the infection. Later on, when the infection has progressed, an infected individual may experience confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance, lack of attention to surroundings and other people, and seizures. Naegleria fowleri infection can occur rapidly and can cause death to the infected within 1 to 12 days only.
Treatment for Naegleria Fowleri Infection
There is no clear treatment against infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. Laboratory results have shown some drugs to be effective in fighting the organism but the effectiveness of these drugs remains unclear. All Naegleria fowleri infections have been found to be fatal even when infected people are treated with these drugs.
How Common Are Infections Caused by Naegleria Fowleri?
Naegleria Fowleri infections are very rare. Some symptoms felt by certain individuals may not really be a sign of the infection but of other diseases, such as bacterial meningitis.
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Disclaimer: Information found in this website is intended for providing general information only and should not be regarded as professional advice. Consult your doctors if you need professional advice.
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