What are the early signs of brain-eating amoeba?

The brain-eating amoeba, also known as Naegleria fowleri, can cause an infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This is a rare but severe disease that affects the brain. Early signs of this infection may include:

• Headache: This is often one of the first symptoms.
• Fever: A high temperature usually follows the headache.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These can occur as the infection progresses.

These symptoms can appear anywhere from one to nine days after the amoeba enters the body, typically through the nose during swimming or other water activities. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and hallucinations can develop. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if these early signs appear after potential exposure to warm freshwater sources.