What is the 'brain-eating amoeba'? US man dies from rare disease

A rare and deadly amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleri, has once again raised concerns in the United States after claiming the life of a Georgia resident recently. The brain-eating amoeba has been the focus of attention due to its potential to cause severe and often fatal infections in humans.

In July this year, a two-year-old boy from Nevada passed away due to an infection caused due to this amoeba. Health officials believe that the little boy probably got the infection while visiting a natural hot spring.

Earlier, in February too, a person from Florida had died from the amoeba after using tap water for a sinus rinse.

What is Naegleria fowleri or brain-eating amoeba?

Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F), making it more prevalent during the summer months. The amoeba is naturally present in these waters and feeds on bacteria.

The infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters the nasal passages and reaches the olfactory nerve, which is responsible for the sense of smell. From there, the amoeba can travel to the brain, leading to a rare but severe condition known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

The recent case of a man from Georgia who lost his life to this brain-eating amoeba is not the first occurrence in the United States. Naegleria fowleri infections are incredibly rare but have been reported in different states over the years.

Also watch: 5-year-old suffers from a rare disease without a name