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Biology

Brain-Eating Amoeba Outbreak in Pakistan: What You Need to Know

by Peter
written by Peter

Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills Ten in Pakistan

What is Naegleria fowleri?

Naegleria fowleri is a water-borne amoeba that can cause a deadly infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It is found in warm, fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, and swimming pools.

Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri

Symptoms of PAM typically develop within 5 to 7 days after exposure to contaminated water. They include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Coma

How is Naegleria fowleri transmitted?

Naegleria fowleri enters the body through the nose, usually while swimming or diving in contaminated water. It then travels from the nasal membranes to the brain.

Treatment for Naegleria fowleri

There is no cure for PAM, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and antifungal medications.

Recent Outbreak in Pakistan

In May 2022, an outbreak of PAM occurred in Karachi, Pakistan. As of July 2022, ten people have died from the infection. Most of the victims did not have a history of swimming, suggesting that they may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water.

Prevention of Naegleria fowleri

There is no vaccine to prevent PAM, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection:

  • Avoid swimming or diving in warm, fresh water, especially during the summer months.
  • If you do swim in fresh water, wear a nose clip or nasal plugs.
  • Do not use neti pots or other nasal irrigation devices with tap water. Use distilled or boiled water instead.
  • If you have any symptoms of PAM, seek medical attention immediately.

History of Naegleria fowleri

Naegleria fowleri was first discovered in 1961 in Australia. Since then, it has been reported in over 30 countries around the world. The majority of cases have occurred in children and young adults.

Naegleria fowleri in Children

Children are more susceptible to PAM than adults because their immune systems are not fully developed. They are also more likely to engage in activities that put them at risk of exposure to contaminated water, such as swimming and diving.

Naegleria fowleri in Pakistan

This is the first outbreak of PAM in Pakistan since 2006. The Pakistani government is working to raise awareness of the disease and to improve water quality in Karachi.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are still investigating the source of the outbreak in Karachi. They are testing drinking water from various parts of the city and conducting awareness campaigns among health workers and the community.

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Biology

Brain-Eating Amoeba: The Hidden Killer | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Brain-Eating Amoeba: The Hidden Killer

What is Naegleria fowleri?

Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba that can cause a deadly infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It is found in warm, freshwater environments, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs.

How does N. fowleri infect humans?

N. fowleri typically infects humans through the nose. When someone swims in contaminated water, the amoeba can enter the nose and travel up the olfactory nerve to the brain. Once in the brain, the amoeba begins to destroy brain tissue.

Symptoms of N. fowleri infection

The first symptoms of N. fowleri infection are often mild and nonspecific, such as headache, nausea, and fever. However, as the infection progresses, more severe symptoms can develop, including:

  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Confusion
  • Coma

How does N. fowleri kill?

Traditionally, it was thought that N. fowleri killed by directly destroying brain tissue. However, recent research suggests that the amoeba may actually be killed by the body’s own immune response.

When N. fowleri enters the brain, it triggers an inflammatory response. This inflammation leads to brain swelling, which can disrupt the blood-brain barrier and allow toxins from the amoeba to enter the brain. These toxins can cause further brain damage and ultimately lead to death.

Treatment for N. fowleri infection

There is no specific cure for N. fowleri infection. Treatment is supportive and focuses on reducing brain swelling and controlling seizures. In some cases, doctors may also use antifungal medications to kill the amoeba.

Prevention of N. fowleri infection

The best way to prevent N. fowleri infection is to avoid swimming in warm, freshwater environments where the amoeba is known to be present. If you do swim in these areas, be sure to wear a nose clip to prevent water from entering your nose.

Case study: The first survivor of N. fowleri infection

In 2013, a 12-year-old girl became the first survivor of N. fowleri infection in decades. Doctors approached her case with a focus on reducing brain swelling, and this may have contributed to her survival.

Ongoing research

Researchers are continuing to study N. fowleri infection in order to better understand how it kills and how to prevent and treat it. This research may lead to new treatments and strategies for preventing this deadly disease.

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