Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Nasal Spray That 'Works In Hours' May Replace Pills For Depression Treatment

A breakthrough study finds esketamine nasal spray may deliver meaningful improvement for treatment-resistant depression within hours. For decades, patients struggling with major depressive disorder (MDD) have had to wait weeks sometimes months for antidepressant medications to show effects. For roughly one in three people, even after trying multiple drugs, relief never comes. This group, known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), faces limited and often frustrating options.

Now, a new clinical trial suggests there may be another path, esketamine nasal spray. Researchers report that when used as a standalone treatment, esketamine provided rapid and sustained relief for adults with TRD. Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to work, improvements appeared within 24 hours and lasted throughout the study’s four-week duration. The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Ketamine, a compound first approved in the 1970s as an anesthetic, has drawn increasing attention for its antidepressant effects at lower doses. Esketamine, a chemically refined version, works on similar pathways but is more targeted.

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved SPRAVATO, an esketamine nasal spray, for use alongside oral antidepressants in TRD. Until now, it was unclear whether the spray could stand on its own. This new phase 4 trial offers the strongest evidence yet that esketamine may be effective without an added oral drug.

The study enrolled 378 adults across 51 U.S. outpatient centers between 2020 and 2024. To qualify, participants had to show a history of poor response—defined as less than 25% improvement—to at least two antidepressants during their current depressive episode.

Design: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Groups: fixed doses of either 56 mg or 84 mg esketamine, or a placebo spray

Treatment schedule: twice-weekly dosing for four weeks

Primary measure: changes in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores, which capture depression severity

Most participants were women (61%), and the average age was 45. All entered the study with moderate-to-severe depression.

<h2>How Esketamine Nasal Spray Works?</h2>

Within a single day of treatment, both esketamine groups reported noticeable improvements compared to placebo. By day 28, those on 56 mg showed a 5.1-point greater reduction in symptom scores versus placebo.

The 84 mg group had an even stronger effect, with a 6.8-point advantage. For perspective, traditional antidepressants often take six to eight weeks to yield measurable changes. Esketamine’s speed is one of the factors making it so promising for TRD patients, many of whom live with intense, persistent distress.

Patients who continued into the optional 12-week open-label phase—where all participants received esketamine—maintained or further improved their scores. This suggests the drug’s benefits may extend beyond the initial four weeks.

The “number needed to treat,” a measure of clinical significance, was around 6–7 for symptom response. This means that for every six or seven patients treated, at least one more experienced a meaningful reduction in depression compared to placebo. For a psychiatric intervention, that is a robust effect size.

<h2>Are There Any Side Effects of the Nasal Spray?</h2>

Like other ketamine-based therapies, esketamine is not without side effects. In this trial, the most common were nausea, dizziness, headache, and dissociation, a temporary feeling of detachment from one’s surroundings.

Importantly, these effects were short-lived, generally resolving within hours of dosing. Safety monitoring also showed no increase in suicidal thinking compared to placebo, an encouraging finding in depression research. No treatment-related deaths were reported.

Still, the psychoactive nature of the drug meant some participants could guess whether they had received esketamine or placebo, a limitation that researchers acknowledged.

For the estimated 280 million people worldwide living with major depressive disorder, and especially the one-third who don’t respond to conventional drugs, esketamine represents a potential paradigm shift.

Traditional antidepressants work by altering serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. Esketamine instead targets the glutamate system, offering a novel mechanism of action. That difference matters- before SPRAVATO, psychiatry hadn’t seen a new treatment pathway in over 30 years.

Adam Janik, medical director at Johnson &amp; Johnson and lead author of the study, emphasized the scale of the problem: “The size and scope of the global depression epidemic is staggering. Significant unmet needs remain for these patients.”

While the findings are promising, experts caution against premature conclusions. The trial population was not racially diverse, and individuals with certain psychiatric conditions were excluded. That raises questions about how well the results will apply across broader patient groups.

For decades, patients with treatment-resistant depression have cycled through medications, therapies, and hospitalizations, often with little relief. This study adds weight to a growing body of evidence that esketamine could break that cycle. While it is not a cure, the possibility of meaningful relief within hours rather than weeks could be life-changing for millions.

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rapid depression relief

antidepressant nasal spray

major depressive disorder treatment

depression breakthrough therapy

fast acting antidepressant

non oral depression treatment

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A breakthrough study finds esketamine nasal spray may deliver meaningful improvement for treatment-resistant depression within hours. For decades, patients struggling with major depressive disorder (MDD) have had to wait weeks sometimes months for antidepressant medications to show effects. For roughly one in three people, even after trying multiple drugs, relief never comes. This group, known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), faces limited and often frustrating options.Now, a new clinical trial suggests there may be another path, esketamine nasal spray. Researchers report that when used as a standalone treatment, esketamine provided rapid and sustained relief for adults with TRD. Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to work, improvements appeared within 24 hours and lasted throughout the study’s four-week duration. The findings were published in JAMA Psychiatry.Ketamine, a compound first approved in the 1970s as an anesthetic, has drawn increasing attention for its antidepressant effects at lower doses. Esketamine, a chemically refined version, works on similar pathways but is more targeted.In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved SPRAVATO, an esketamine nasal spray, for use alongside oral antidepressants in TRD. Until now, it was unclear whether the spray could stand on its own. This new phase 4 trial offers the strongest evidence yet that esketamine may be effective without an added oral drug.The study enrolled 378 adults across 51 U.S. outpatient centers between 2020 and 2024. To qualify, participants had to show a history of poor response—defined as less than 25% improvement—to at least two antidepressants during their current depressive episode.Key features of the trial included:Design: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlledGroups: fixed doses of either 56 mg or 84 mg esketamine, or a placebo sprayTreatment schedule: twice-weekly dosing for four weeksPrimary measure: changes in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores, which capture depression severityMost participants were women (61%), and the average age was 45. All entered the study with moderate-to-severe depression.How Esketamine Nasal Spray Works?Within a single day of treatment, both esketamine groups reported noticeable improvements compared to placebo. By day 28, those on 56 mg showed a 5.1-point greater reduction in symptom scores versus placebo.The 84 mg group had an even stronger effect, with a 6.8-point advantage. For perspective, traditional antidepressants often take six to eight weeks to yield measurable changes. Esketamine’s speed is one of the factors making it so promising for TRD patients, many of whom live with intense, persistent distress.Patients who continued into the optional 12-week open-label phase—where all participants received esketamine—maintained or further improved their scores. This suggests the drug’s benefits may extend beyond the initial four weeks.The “number needed to treat,” a measure of clinical significance, was around 6–7 for symptom response. This means that for every six or seven patients treated, at least one more experienced a meaningful reduction in depression compared to placebo. For a psychiatric intervention, that is a robust effect size.Are There Any Side Effects of the Nasal Spray?Like other ketamine-based therapies, esketamine is not without side effects. In this trial, the most common were nausea, dizziness, headache, and dissociation, a temporary feeling of detachment from one’s surroundings.Importantly, these effects were short-lived, generally resolving within hours of dosing. Safety monitoring also showed no increase in suicidal thinking compared to placebo, an encouraging finding in depression research. No treatment-related deaths were reported.Still, the psychoactive nature of the drug meant some participants could guess whether they had received esketamine or placebo, a limitation that researchers acknowledged.For the estimated 280 million people worldwide living with major depressive disorder, and especially the one-third who don’t respond to conventional drugs, esketamine represents a potential paradigm shift.Traditional antidepressants work by altering serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. Esketamine instead targets the glutamate system, offering a novel mechanism of action. That difference matters- before SPRAVATO, psychiatry hadn’t seen a new treatment pathway in over 30 years.Adam Janik, medical director at Johnson & Johnson and lead author of the study, emphasized the scale of the problem: “The size and scope of the global depression epidemic is staggering. Significant unmet needs remain for these patients.”While the findings are promising, experts caution against premature conclusions. The trial population was not racially diverse, and individuals with certain psychiatric conditions were excluded. That raises questions about how well the results will apply across broader patient groups.For decades, patients with treatment-resistant depression have cycled through medications, therapies, and hospitalizations, often with little relief. This study adds weight to a growing body of evidence that esketamine could break that cycle. While it is not a cure, the possibility of meaningful relief within hours rather than weeks could be life-changing for millions.

nasal spray that 'works in hours' may replace pills for depression treatment

Two Premature Infants Die From Infection In Italy Hospital Over Suspected Soap Dish Contamination

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Two of the premature infants, each weighing under two pounds, succumbed within days of one another at San Maurizio Hospital in Bolzano, <span>Italy</span>. The probable cause: Serratia marcescens, a bacterium traced to detergent dispensers used to wash baby bottles and teats in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The two premature infants, born at 23 and 27 weeks of gestation, died from overwhelming sepsis on August 12 and 13. Both deaths have raised serious questions about the hospital's infection control and hygiene practices, as well as the exceptional vulnerability of premature infants.

Italy's National Anti-Corruption and Prevention Agency (NAS) is spearheading the investigation into how a kitchen staple—dishwashing detergent—was used as a lethal vector. Preliminary tests isolated Serratia marcescens in the spout and dispensers utilized for the soap reservoir in the NICU. Authorities are investigating several alternatives:

<ol><li>The detergent could have been contaminated during transport to the hospital.</li><li>Improper storage or handling could have provided an environment for bacteria to flourish.</li><li>An infected person may have transferred the pathogen through contact with the dispenser.</li></ol>

The route of contamination is uncertain until laboratory tests are done.

Serratia marcescens is no stranger to hospitals. The bacteria exist best in damp surroundings—sinks, soap dispensers, catheters—and though usually harmless to healthy patients, are deadly to those with weakened immune systems. For preemies, whose immune systems are still developing, contact can rapidly degenerate into sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.

Hospital administrator Pierpaolo Bertoli emphasized that the germ itself was not novel. "The bacterium's presence is not singular because it is always a threat to neonatal intensive care units," he stated. The threat, he continued, is in the immense vulnerability of NICU patients.

<h2>Immediate Response and Precautionary Measures</h2>

After the discovery, a recall of all soap from the Bolzano hospital system was ordered, and admission of no more high-risk premature infants is taking place until notice. Existing cases are being routed to hospitals in Trento, about 40 miles away.

The hospital has even transferred the 10 remaining NICU babies to a different wing as a precautionary step. The hospital's medical director, Dr. Monika Zaebisch, confirmed that proper hygiene procedures were in effect but accepted the tragedy. "Unfortunately, these two cases could not be prevented," she stated.

<h2>Why Premature Babies Are Susceptible To Deadly Infections</h2>

Prematurity, or delivery prior to 37 weeks, leaves babies with a poorly developed immune system. Under normal circumstances, transfer of protective antibodies from the mother through the placenta in the third trimester supplies babies with at least partial immunity at birth. In preemies, that all-important exchange is incomplete—or nonexistent.

This absence of maternal immunity, coupled with medical interventions like catheters, ventilators, and feeding tubes, provides an entry point for bacteria such as Serratia marcescens. Infections that would be contained within older children or adults—such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or meningitis—can develop quickly and be life-threatening in preterm infants.

The Bolzano tragedy is no lone wolf. Hospitals around the globe have experienced outbreaks attributed to contaminated medical devices, water supply lines, and cleaning solutions. Even slight breaches of sterilization procedures can snowball into fatal infections in vulnerable wards such as NICUs.

Dr. Josef Widmann, director of medicine for the South Tyrolean Health Authority, recognized the systemwide problem. "This is not merely one product issue," he told a press briefing. "It is a reminder that NICUs remain under constant risk of microbial exposure.

The incident comes on the heels of another Italian public health crisis: a botulism outbreak from a food vendor in southwest Italy that resulted in two deaths and sent 14 to the hospital. Combined, the incidents highlighted systemic weaknesses in food and health safety regulation.

The Public Prosecutor of Bolzano is contemplating autopsies on the infants, which would determine whether charges of malpractice were appropriate. Relatives and health advocates are demanding answers, both to pay respects to those who died and to guarantee system change.

In the meantime, NAS researchers persist in testing the recalled detergent, dispenser units, and environmental swabs from the NICU. Identification of where the contamination took place, at the production facility, in storage, or within the hospital system itself, is important not only for legal accountability but also for avoiding future such outbreaks.

italy

premature babies death italy

dish soap contamination

italy hospital tragedy

neonatal safety italy

infant deaths italy

medical error italy

hospital contamination case

Two of the premature infants, each weighing under two pounds, succumbed within days of one another at San Maurizio Hospital in Bolzano, Italy. The probable cause: Serratia marcescens, a bacterium traced to detergent dispensers used to wash baby bottles and teats in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).The two premature infants, born at 23 and 27 weeks of gestation, died from overwhelming sepsis on August 12 and 13. Both deaths have raised serious questions about the hospital's infection control and hygiene practices, as well as the exceptional vulnerability of premature infants.Italy's National Anti-Corruption and Prevention Agency (NAS) is spearheading the investigation into how a kitchen staple—dishwashing detergent—was used as a lethal vector. Preliminary tests isolated Serratia marcescens in the spout and dispensers utilized for the soap reservoir in the NICU. Authorities are investigating several alternatives:The detergent could have been contaminated during transport to the hospital.Improper storage or handling could have provided an environment for bacteria to flourish.An infected person may have transferred the pathogen through contact with the dispenser.The route of contamination is uncertain until laboratory tests are done.What Is Serratia marcescens?Serratia marcescens is no stranger to hospitals. The bacteria exist best in damp surroundings—sinks, soap dispensers, catheters—and though usually harmless to healthy patients, are deadly to those with weakened immune systems. For preemies, whose immune systems are still developing, contact can rapidly degenerate into sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis.Hospital administrator Pierpaolo Bertoli emphasized that the germ itself was not novel. "The bacterium's presence is not singular because it is always a threat to neonatal intensive care units," he stated. The threat, he continued, is in the immense vulnerability of NICU patients.Immediate Response and Precautionary MeasuresAfter the discovery, a recall of all soap from the Bolzano hospital system was ordered, and admission of no more high-risk premature infants is taking place until notice. Existing cases are being routed to hospitals in Trento, about 40 miles away.The hospital has even transferred the 10 remaining NICU babies to a different wing as a precautionary step. The hospital's medical director, Dr. Monika Zaebisch, confirmed that proper hygiene procedures were in effect but accepted the tragedy. "Unfortunately, these two cases could not be prevented," she stated.Why Premature Babies Are Susceptible To Deadly InfectionsPrematurity, or delivery prior to 37 weeks, leaves babies with a poorly developed immune system. Under normal circumstances, transfer of protective antibodies from the mother through the placenta in the third trimester supplies babies with at least partial immunity at birth. In preemies, that all-important exchange is incomplete—or nonexistent.This absence of maternal immunity, coupled with medical interventions like catheters, ventilators, and feeding tubes, provides an entry point for bacteria such as Serratia marcescens. Infections that would be contained within older children or adults—such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, or meningitis—can develop quickly and be life-threatening in preterm infants.The Bolzano tragedy is no lone wolf. Hospitals around the globe have experienced outbreaks attributed to contaminated medical devices, water supply lines, and cleaning solutions. Even slight breaches of sterilization procedures can snowball into fatal infections in vulnerable wards such as NICUs.Dr. Josef Widmann, director of medicine for the South Tyrolean Health Authority, recognized the systemwide problem. "This is not merely one product issue," he told a press briefing. "It is a reminder that NICUs remain under constant risk of microbial exposure.The incident comes on the heels of another Italian public health crisis: a botulism outbreak from a food vendor in southwest Italy that resulted in two deaths and sent 14 to the hospital. Combined, the incidents highlighted systemic weaknesses in food and health safety regulation.The Public Prosecutor of Bolzano is contemplating autopsies on the infants, which would determine whether charges of malpractice were appropriate. Relatives and health advocates are demanding answers, both to pay respects to those who died and to guarantee system change.In the meantime, NAS researchers persist in testing the recalled detergent, dispenser units, and environmental swabs from the NICU. Identification of where the contamination took place, at the production facility, in storage, or within the hospital system itself, is important not only for legal accountability but also for avoiding future such outbreaks.

two premature infants die from infection in italy hospital over suspected soap dish contamination

Aarushi Bhadury

World’s First Pregnancy Robots: Will Women Soon Be Able to Use Surrogate Robots?

Wait What! Chinese Scientists Are Now Creating An ‘Artificial Womb’ With A Robot That Can Give Birth

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While technology has long assisted in the birthing process, researchers at Kaiwa Technology, China are now taking it a step further by creating artificial wombs that can be placed inside a robot. According to Dr <span>Zhang Qifeng</span>, who is leading the project, the technology for artificial wombs is already significantly advanced, and the team aims to demonstrate a working prototype as early as next year.

The robot is expected to ‘become’ pregnant and carry a baby to full term in an environment filled with artificial amniotic fluid, designed to mimic the natural conditions of a human womb. Although the exact process of fertilization has not yet been disclosed, the project is being described as a potential game-changer for people who cannot conceive naturally or are unable to carry a pregnancy to term.

<h2>Ethical Concerns And Unanswered Questions</h2>

As with any radical new technology, the robot womb comes with serious ethical and legal questions. How will the egg and sperm be fertilized? What does the birthing process look like? And who will be legally responsible for the baby? Dr Qifeng says discussions with Chinese officials are already underway to create new regulations for this emerging field.

One of the biggest draws as per the company is its cost. The estimated price of using the robot for surrogacy could be around $14,000, a fraction of the $100,000–$200,000 typically spent in the U.S. for human surrogacy.

<h2>New Era Of Reproduction Or Dystopian Step?</h2>

The news has sparked a heated debate. Supporters believe the technology could offer new hope to infertile couples and free women from the physical risks of pregnancy. Some even see it as a potential solution to China’s growing infertility crisis.

Critics believe that the biological and emotional complexity of human pregnancy cannot be replicated by a machine. Experts fear that growing a baby in a completely artificial environment could have unknown effects on the child’s health and well-being, and that removing the maternal bond from the process might lead to ethical dilemmas.

Robotic Pregnancy

zhang qifeng

artificial womb

Chinese scientists create artificial womb

china technology

robot that can give birth

While technology has long assisted in the birthing process, researchers at Kaiwa Technology, China are now taking it a step further by creating artificial wombs that can be placed inside a robot. According to Dr Zhang Qifeng, who is leading the project, the technology for artificial wombs is already significantly advanced, and the team aims to demonstrate a working prototype as early as next year.The robot is expected to ‘become’ pregnant and carry a baby to full term in an environment filled with artificial amniotic fluid, designed to mimic the natural conditions of a human womb. Although the exact process of fertilization has not yet been disclosed, the project is being described as a potential game-changer for people who cannot conceive naturally or are unable to carry a pregnancy to term.Ethical Concerns And Unanswered QuestionsAs with any radical new technology, the robot womb comes with serious ethical and legal questions. How will the egg and sperm be fertilized? What does the birthing process look like? And who will be legally responsible for the baby? Dr Qifeng says discussions with Chinese officials are already underway to create new regulations for this emerging field.One of the biggest draws as per the company is its cost. The estimated price of using the robot for surrogacy could be around $14,000, a fraction of the $100,000–$200,000 typically spent in the U.S. for human surrogacy.New Era Of Reproduction Or Dystopian Step?The news has sparked a heated debate. Supporters believe the technology could offer new hope to infertile couples and free women from the physical risks of pregnancy. Some even see it as a potential solution to China’s growing infertility crisis.Critics believe that the biological and emotional complexity of human pregnancy cannot be replicated by a machine. Experts fear that growing a baby in a completely artificial environment could have unknown effects on the child’s health and well-being, and that removing the maternal bond from the process might lead to ethical dilemmas.

world’s first pregnancy robots: will women soon be able to use surrogate robots?

9-Year-Old Passes Away In Kerala Due To 'Brain Eating Amoeba', Symptoms, Risk Factors And Treatment

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<span>Brain Eating Amoeba</span>: 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. 

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. 

<h2>What Are The Symptoms of Brain Eating Amoeba? </h2>

According to the Centre of Disease Control and Prevention, early on, PAM symptoms can look like common meningitis: 

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Stiff neck</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Sensitivity to light</li></ul>

The 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. 

<h2>What Are The Risk Factors of Brain Eating Amoeba: How It Spreads </h2>

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. 

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. 

<h2>How Are Health Officials Responding? </h2>

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. 

Brain Eating Amoeba

kerala girl dies due to Brain Eating Amoeba

9 year old death in Kerala

Brain Eating Amoeba symptoms

Brain Eating Amoeba treatment

can Brain Eating Amoeba be cured

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. 

9-Year-Old Passes Away In Kerala Due To 'Brain Eating Amoeba' Infection: How To Spot The First Symptom?

9-year-old passes away in kerala due to 'brain eating amoeba', symptoms, risk factors and treatment

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