Brain Eating Amoeba

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Context

• Recently a 15 year old boy from Alappuzha district of Kerala died due to a rare brain infection.
• The reason for this infection was a brain eating amoeba named, Naegleria fowleri of Naegleria species.

Other Details

• The source of this infection is suspected to be a stream near his house where he used to take bath daily.
• The boy sustained high fever for a week and experience rapid worsening of his vital signs like Body temperature. Pulse rate. Breathing rate.

A Must Read Article:

Naegleria fowleri (Brain-eating amoeba)

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/brain-eating-amoeba

Preventive measures for Humans

• Washing hands using soap before eating and
• Hands should be cleaned before and after water activities
• For nasal cleaning use of sterile water is suggested.
• During swimming a nose protection should be used to prevent entering of Amoeba in body.

Preventive measures to treat and manage natural water bodies

• In water bodies of freshwater like lakes, hot springs and ponds, human activities should be limited.
• Swimming pools should be cleaned and disinfected, likely using chlorine, properly and frequently.
• Proper hygiene standards should be followed.
• After water activities there should be an arrangement to clean hands with soap.
• In a swimming pool, which is properly maintained hygienically and chlorine levels are monitored regularly the chances of infection from this Amoeba is almost zero.

https://indianexpress.com/article/health-wellness/kerala-boy-dies-brain-eating-amoeba-what-how-8809693/