5-Year-Old Girl Dies Of Brain-Eating Amoeba In Kerala - Know Its Signs, Symptoms And Preventive Measures

5-year-old girl dies of brain-eating amoeba in kerala - know its signs, symptoms and preventive measures

A five-year-old girl from Malappuram district in Kerala has died due to a brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba." She had been receiving treatment at Kozhikode Medical College's Institute of Maternal and Child Health since May 13 and was on ventilator support for a week. As per reports, she contracted the deadly amoeba while bathing with relatives at the Kadalundi River near her residence on May 1. Her condition, Amoebic meningoencephalitis, was caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, a rare but severe brain infection. But how does it spread? What are its signs and symptoms? Let’s check!

What is A Brain-Eating Amoeba?

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism found in warm freshwater like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Though it is reportedly harmless when ingested, it can be deadly if it enters the body through the nose, typically while swimming or diving in contaminated water. Once inside the nasal passages, the amoeba can travel to the brain, causing a rare but severe infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

How Does it Spread?

The primary mode of transmission of Naegleria fowleri is through the inhalation of contaminated water droplets, especially during activities like swimming, diving, or engaging in water sports in warm freshwater. As per experts, amoeba thrives in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and is more prevalent in stagnant or slow-moving water. Infections are more common during the summer months when water temperatures are higher.

Signs and Symptoms To Watch

The symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection appear within one to nine days after exposure and may initially resemble those of bacterial meningitis. Early signs include:

Headache,

Fever,

Nausea,

Vomiting, and

Stiff neck.

As the infection progresses, symptoms worsen rapidly, leading to confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and coma. Without prompt treatment, the infection is almost always fatal, with death occurring within one to 12 days of symptom onset.

Preventive Measures To Stay Safe

While infections caused by brain-eating amoeba are rare, there are several preventive measures individuals can take to reduce their risk:

1. Avoid Swimming in Warm Freshwater: Stay clear of lakes, rivers, and hot springs, especially during the summer months when water temperatures are higher and the risk of amoeba contamination is greater.

2. Use Nose Clips or Hold Your Nose: When participating in water activities in freshwater bodies, use nose clips or hold your nose shut to prevent water from entering your nasal passages.

3. Keep Swimming Pools Clean: If you have a swimming pool, maintain proper chlorine levels and regularly clean and disinfect the water to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms, including Naegleria fowleri.

4. Use Distilled or Boiled Water for Nasal Irrigation: When performing activities like nasal irrigation or using a neti pot, use distilled or boiled water to ensure it is free from contaminants.

5. Be Cautious in Hot Tubs and Fountains: While the risk of infection is lower in properly maintained hot tubs and decorative fountains, it's still essential to exercise caution and avoid submerging your head underwater.