How to stay safe from Kerala's brain eating amoeba?

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Naegleria fowleri or ‘brain-eating amoeba,’ is a free-living microscopic amoeba generally found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, and hot springs.

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It can result in a rare yet often fatal brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

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Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain.

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Naegleria fowleri mainly affects children and youngsters, though it can infect people of any age.

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Interestingly, Naegleria fowleri is not harmful if ingested.

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It does not spread from person to person either.

Image Credit: iStock/Mik122
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