With the death
of 3 young kids, now the fatality rate of Naegleria has reached 10. Every year
summer comes along with this deadly brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria
Fowleri. Most of us don’t actually know this and many people haven’t heard
until someone unknowingly come across a sudden death from an unknown disease.
In a third
world country where people are still thriving for basic necessities and where
getting access to the lifesaving drugs is just a nightmare for the poor. The
disastrous effect of Naegleria can easily be gauged. In summers when the
prominence of water in our lives increases, the risk of Naegleria is at its
peak. Due to water shortage, common men don’t argue, even if gets contaminated
water. However, the deadly bacteria cannot effect in case of drinking but it
gets access to the brain if enters into the nose.
The next thing
which comes into mind is how can we avoid water?? And the answer is you can’t and you don’t have
to. The best thing about this fatal bacteria, it doesn’t spread from human to
human. So we got so many ways in this sense to be careful and for this, we need
to have the proper knowledge. Remember prevention is better than cure, and
Naegleria don’t give much time to cure so let’s dig into the details:
What is Naegleria Fowleri?
Naegleria
Fowleri enters the body through the nose, travels up to the brain and causes
severe damage to the brain tissue results in swelling and death. Naegleria usually eats amoeba but when enters
into the human brain it consumes the human brain as food.
Though a mass
number of people are exposed to Naegleria infection, only a few of them ever
get sick from it. However, doctors and researchers still couldn’t find any clue
why some people get infected and others don’t. Affected people die within a
week after being exposed to the amoeba.
Possible areas where Naegleria is found:
 |
| Industrial-Discharge |
• It is found in fresh warm water, such as
lakes, ponds, rivers.
• Naturally hot water, such as hot springs.
• Warm and polluted water discharge from
industrial plants.
• Poorly maintained swimming pools and spas.
• Soil.
• Naegleria fowleri likes and grows best at
temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) and can survive for small periods at higher
temperatures.
• Naegleria can't live in saltwater like the
ocean.
 |
| Rivers-Lakes |
In our country
majority of the population lives in town and villages where people have easy
access to rivers, lakes or ponds. And Naegleria grows in naturally hot water.
So it should be spread to masses so that lives of those could be saved who
don’t even know about this evil bacteria. Moreover, in urban areas, summer is
usually the time for swimming classes, water parks and picnics at lakes or
rivers. It is better to be vigilant and look around if the swimming pools are
properly maintained. And avoid water sports while in the summer season.
Possible chances of encounter:
• Swimming, diving or any kind of water
sports.
• Diving or bath in hot springs, ponds or
rivers.
• Cleaning nose with untreated water.
• N. fowleri is not contagious.
 |
| Swimming-Diving,-Watersports |
Symptoms of Naegleria Fowleri:
Those who get
affected die within a week of symptoms visibility. The symptoms might vary from
person to person, but the majority shows the following:
 |
| Highgrade-fever |
• Confusion
• High-grade fever
• Seizures
• A change in the sense of smell or taste
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Nausea and vomiting
 |
| sever-headache |
• Sleepiness
• Hallucinations
• Sensitivity to light
Can we prevent Naegleria Fowleri?
• Avoid swimming, diving, water skiing in
warm freshwater.
• Use nose clips or shut your nose before
getting into the water.
• Avoid the mud present in the shallow parts
of warm freshwaters.
• Chlorine tablets are much recommended to
use in water tanks.
Treatment and Medication:
 |
| fatal-disease |
Unfortunately,
the survival rate is very thin, and according to research published in https://www.researchgate.net/ 75% of diagnosis is established after the death. However, on
early identification it is treatable. Moreover, the majority don’t have access
to proper medical services and our hospitals are not suitably equipped to
diagnose this infection at an early stage and offer proper medical treatment.
The medical
fraternity is still not successful to find common criteria to examine and cure
this deadly amoeba and government officials haven’t made any serious efforts.
People are still taking measures on their own but somehow it is the
responsibility of each and every one of us to spread awareness and ask the
responsible personals to take this matter seriously and do the needful however
possible.
For further knowledge and research, you can also visit;
https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-eating-amoeba
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/naegleria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20375470
For further knowledge and research, you can also visit;
https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-eating-amoeba
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/naegleria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20375470
