Kerala is facing an unusual rise in infections caused by Naegleria fowleri—the so-called brain-eating amoeba. Around 70 cases and several deaths have been reported this year.
How it enters:
This microscopic parasite lives in warm, stagnant freshwater. It infects only when water enters the nose—during swimming, diving, or even while rinsing with untreated water. It does not spread person-to-person and isn’t caught by drinking water.
What it does:
It travels up the olfactory nerve to the brain, causing Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)—a rapidly fatal infection.
Early signs (1–12 days):
Headache, fever, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, seizures. Symptoms worsen quickly.
Treatment & research:
Doctors use high-dose amphotericin-B and miltefosine, but survival is rare. New studies are exploring drug combinations, nanoparticle delivery, and faster PCR diagnostics to improve outcomes.
Protect yourself:
Avoid swimming in warm stagnant water, keep untreated water out of your nose, and ensure pools are well-chlorinated.
Stay alert, act fast—early medical care is critical.
MBH/AB