Brain Eating Amoeba: A 9-year-old girl has fallen victim to a rare case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), popularly known as brain eating amoeba. Two more reports have been made including a three-month old baby, both of whom are fighting for their lives. Health officials from Kerala have reported no common factors among the three cases, explaining that they are unable to find how a three-month old got infected with the rare disease. While they have speculated that the amoeba could’ve entered the body through the nose while bathing, however it is also found in dust and soil. However, this is not the first time this disease was found in Kerala. There have been previous cases of the same, first being reported in 1971. What Is Brain Eating Amoeba? According to a 2024 article published in the Infectious Diseases Journal, the infection is caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, which lives in warm freshwater, such as lakes and rivers. It can enter the body through the nose, usually when people are swimming or using contaminated tap water. Once inside, it travels to the brain and causes severe damage, leading to a fast-acting and often fatal illness. Though rare, the disease is extremely dangerous, with a survival rate of only about 3%. Most people who get infected die within five days of symptoms starting. What Are The Symptoms of Brain Eating Amoeba? According to the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention, early on, PAM symptoms can look like common meningitis: FeverHeadacheStiff neckNausea and vomitingConfusionSensitivity to lightThe disease progresses very quickly, with death often occurring within five days of the first symptoms. If you have these symptoms and have recently been in warm fresh water, you should see a doctor right away. What Are The Risk Factors of Brain Eating Amoeba: How It Spreads The amoeba infects people by entering the body through the nose, usually when someone swims or dives in warm freshwater. It can also happen when people use contaminated tap water to rinse their noses during religious practices or sinus irrigation. Once in the nose, the amoeba travels to the brain, where it causes severe swelling and destroys brain tissue. You cannot get infected from drinking contaminated water, and the infection does not spread from person to person. In the United States, most cases have been in southern states, but as the climate warms, the amoeba's range appears to be expanding northward. The best way to prevent infection is to limit the amount of water that goes up your nose, especially when swimming or diving in warm freshwater. Can It Be Treated? Diagnosing PAM is difficult because it's so rare and the initial symptoms are not unique. While some drugs have been shown to work against the amoeba in a lab setting, their effectiveness is unclear since almost all cases have been fatal, even with treatment. The 2024 review detailed how, while there is no guaranteed cure, doctors have used a few drugs to treat the small number of patients who have survived. A drug called miltefosine has shown some promise, and health officials in Kerala have already gotten a supply of it. Scientists are also working on new treatments. Researchers have found promising new compounds, and even some natural substances, that could help fight the amoeba. The biggest challenge is finding a drug that can effectively reach the brain and work without causing major side effects. How Are Health Officials Responding? In Kerala, authorities are taking action to prevent more infections. They have issued public warnings to avoid swimming in stagnant or unchlorinated water and are encouraging the use of nose clips. The article pointed our that this situation serves as a stark reminder that the world needs to prioritize research on this infection. As the climate changes and water temperatures rise, we need to understand how this might affect the spread of Naegleria fowleri. It is also crucial to improve water safety standards and educate the public to reduce the risk of exposure.