The brain-eating amoeba is called Naegleria fowleri. It is a single-celled organism that can cause a rare and often fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
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Naegleria fowleri brain eating amoeba
Naegleria fowleri is found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It can also be found in soil and poorly chlorinated swimming pools. The amoeba enters the body through the nose when a person swims or dives in contaminated water. It then travels up the nose to the brain, where it can cause an infection.
The symptoms of PAM usually start 1 to 7 days after infection. They can include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and seizures. The infection can progress rapidly and be fatal within a few days.
There is no cure for PAM, but there are treatments that can help to improve the chances of survival. These treatments include antibiotics, anti-fungal medications, and steroids.
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of infection with Naegleria fowleri:
- Avoid swimming or diving in warm freshwater, especially if there is a history of PAM in the area.
- If you do swim in warm freshwater, keep your head above water.
- Do not use tap water to rinse your sinuses.
- Chlorinate your swimming pool regularly.
If you think you may have been exposed to Naegleria fowleri, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
