Jul 10, 2023
Brain-eating amoeba, scientifically known as Naegleria fowleri, is a microscopic organism commonly found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, hot springs, and untreated swimming pools.
Naegleria fowleri is primarily acquired through the nasal passage when contaminated water enters the body, usually during activities like swimming or diving.
Once the amoeba enters the body, it travels through the olfactory nerves to the brain, where it causes a severe and often fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
PAM is an extremely rare condition, with only a few cases reported worldwide each year. However, it is important to take precautions when engaging in activities that expose you to warm freshwater.
Initial symptoms of PAM may include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and seizures. As the infection progresses, symptoms worsen, leading to confusion, hallucinations, loss of balance, and coma.
The infection progresses rapidly, and without prompt medical intervention, PAM is almost always fatal. The fatality rate is over 97%, with only a handful of documented survivors.
The best way to prevent brain-eating amoeba infection is to avoid activities that involve warm freshwater exposure, especially in high-risk areas.