Naegleria infection
Naegleria infection is a rare and fatal brain disease caused by a creature that lives in lakes, rivers, and springs. Contact with amoeba is possible while swimming or participating in water sports
Amoebae goes up to the brain through the nasal cavity and causes serious damage People with Naegleria infection die in about a week
Millions of people are exposed to amoebas throughout the year, but very few develop the infection. Researchers don't know why the amoeba causes infection in specific people and not in the rest
Such infections can be avoided by wearing a nose mask while in water or by avoiding entering lakes, rivers and springs.
Naegleria infection is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which is found in various fresh waters around the world, especially during summer. In some cases, the amoeba also lives in the soil The organism enters the body through the nasal cavity, through contaminated water and dust, and ascends to the brain through the olfactory nerves.
After contact with Naegleria fowleri, only a few of the millions of people become infected. Why the organism causes infection in only a subset of people is unknown
It is not spread from person to person or by drinking contaminated water Properly cleaned and disinfected swimming pools also do not contain amoeba
Naegleria infection causes a disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis This disease causes inflammation of the meninges and destruction of its tissues
Symptoms appear 2-15 days after contact with amoeba:
- Change in sense of smell and taste
- Fever
- Sudden headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Feeling nausea and The patient dies about 1 week after the onset of symptoms
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if you experience sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck and vomiting
