KB
Kerala Brain‑Eating Amoeba — Simple Guide
Short, clear advice about Naegleria fowleri, symptoms, and easy precautions.
What is it?
Naegleria fowleri is a tiny amoeba found in warm freshwater. It can enter the body through the nose and cause a rare brain infection called PAM. Infections are very rare but serious.
Found in: Warm lakes, rivers, ponds, hot springs, and poorly maintained pools.
Symptoms (watch closely)
- Severe headache and high fever
- Nausea, vomiting, stiff neck
- Light sensitivity, confusion, seizures
If symptoms appear within 1–14 days after freshwater exposure, get emergency care and tell doctors about the water contact.
Quick Precautions — Easy Steps
1. Avoid warm, stagnant water
Skip shallow, warm ponds and unchlorinated pools.
2. Keep water out of your nose
Use a nose clip or avoid submerging your head.
3. Use safe water for nasal rinsing
Only boiled (cooled) or distilled water for neti pots.
4. Prefer chlorinated pools
Public pools with good maintenance are safer.
Compact Flowchart
A small visual guide you can save or share.
Remember
The infection is very rare. Simple steps like not letting water go up your nose and using safe water for nasal cleaning reduce risk a lot. Stay calm and be careful.
