In a heart-breaking incident, a healthy 16-month-old baby boy passed away in Arkansas (US) last month , after what was supposed to be a fun trip to the water park. After being sick for several days after the visit, the toddler succumbed to a rare infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also known as The Brain-Eating Amoeba. But what is this amoeba and why is it fatal? We dig deeper..

What is Naegleria fowleri?
Naegleria fowleri is a deadly, free-living amoeba found mostly in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly chlorinated swimming pools. It thrives in warm water, especially during hot weather. Normally, it feeds on bacteria in the water, and does not attack humans per se. However, it can enter the body through the nose, eventually causing a fatal infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It has no cure, even with treatment.

How does it reach the brain?
The infection occurs when Naegleria fowleri enters the nose, usually during swimming, diving, or splashing in warm freshwater. It then travels along the olfactory nerves through a thin bone called the cribriform plate to reach the brain. However, the entry point is always the nose, and never through the mouth.
What happens if it enters your body?
Once inside the brain, the amoeba attacks and feeds on brain tissue, shredding neurons and causing severe inflammation. It also releases enzymes and toxic molecules that break down brain cells, leading to extensive nerve damage. Even though the immune system tries to fight back the infection, it can cause further brain injury.
Symptoms to look out for
Symptoms usually begin 2-15 days after exposure and progress rapidly. These include
High fever
Severe headache
Nausea and vomiting
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to light
Confusion/hallucinations/disorientation
Loss of balance
Seizures
Unfortunately, even with treatment, the infection is almost always fatal, with a staggering 97% fatality rate.

How to prevent an infection
The good news however, is that the Naegleria fowleri infection is rare, and most people won’t get it after a swim session in the pool, or lake. However, here are things you should keep in mind….
Avoid swimming or diving in freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, especially in summers when the amoeba is more active.
Use nose clips or hold your nose shut when swimming to prevent the amoeba’s entry.

Do not use tap water directly to rinse your nose. Always use distilled, sterile, water.
Avoid touching sediment in freshwater since the amoeba can live in the mud at the bottom of lakes or ponds.
Ensure swimming pools are properly chlorinated and maintained to kill harmful microorganisms.
Shower after swimming in freshwater to wash off any potential contaminants