‘Brain-eating amoeba infection is misdiagnosed, leading to under-reporting'

Updated On: 13 July, 2024 03:34 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto

As more cases of the brain-eating amoeba are being reported in Kerala, mid-day.com spoke to Mumbai doctors to highlight the causes, more about primary amoebic meningoencephalitis and why people should take it seriously

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Since May, Kerala has reported as many as five cases of people affected by Naegleria fowleri, popularly known as the brain-eating amoeba. With the latest case being that of a 12-year-old in Thrissur, the fear around the infection is rising in the state. Mumbai experts believe the city doesn’t have to fear just yet even though it is the monsoon, but say people should be concerned about it.

Usually found in warm fresh water, the amoeba dangerously enters the body through the nose and makes its way towards the brain. Dr Sheetal Goyal, neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, says, “It usually breeds in contaminated waters or warm freshwater bodies. Once it enters the human body it can cause severe complications and deadly infection. The brain-eating amoeba can negatively destroy brain tissues, resulting in brain inflammation. Experts often call this disease primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This severe yet rare infection can affect organs like the brain and spinal cord causing discomfort and pain.”

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Home / Lifestyle / Health & Fitness / Article / ‘Brain-eating amoeba infection is misdiagnosed, leading to under-reporting'