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.