Context:
Three cases of infection, caused by Naegleria fowleri, reported in Kerala in the last two months.
Naegleria Fowleri:
- A free-living amoeba or a single-celled living organism.
- Lives in – Warm fresh water and soil
- Can be found in warm freshwater, such as lakes and rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, or other recreational venues that are poorly maintained or minimally chlorinated.
- Infects people when it enters the body
- Enters through the nose, usually when people are swimming.
- It travels up to the brain and destroys the brain tissue and causes swelling.
Amoebic Meningoencephalitis:
- A rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.
- Non-communicable
- Symptoms – Seizures, hallucinations and slip into a state of coma.
- Treatment – No effective treatments for the disease yet.
- Presently, it is treated with a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
Source: Hindustan Times
Previous Question
Consider the following diseases
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (b)
