Warming waters raise risk of brain-eating Amoeba

New Delhi | Desk: Climate change is no longer limited to rising temperatures or cyclones; it has also become an invisible and deadly threat to human health. Recent scientific research has revealed a shocking finding: dangerous amoebas are rapidly spreading in water bodies worldwide due to rising global temperatures. The most dangerous of these is Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba."

This microorganism is typically found in warm water sources such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools. The risk increases when this water enters the body through the nose while swimming.

From there, it travels directly to the brain, causing an infection called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Although this infection is rare, its severity can be gauged by its mortality rate, which exceeds 97 percent.

Experts believe that as global warming causes the temperature of water bodies to rise, it creates a favorable environment for these amoebas to thrive. Amoebas that were previously confined to tropical, or warm, regions are now being found in cooler areas of Europe, North America, and Asia.

In addition, scientists have also warned about other amoebas such as Acanthamoeba and Balamuthia mandrillaris, which can cause serious damage to the eyes, skin, and nervous system.

Given this growing threat, health experts have advised the public to take special precautions. Using nose clips or holding your nose closed while swimming in warm water is crucial, especially for children.

Furthermore, only boiled or purified water should be used for nasal irrigation. Experts say that if climate change and water pollution are not controlled, this changing landscape of diseases could become even more alarming in the future.