Father warns of ‘brain-eating amoeba’ after son’s death

• Naegleria fowleri infection remains rare but carries high mortality; clinicians should maintain awareness of this pathogen when patients present with acute meningoencephalitis following freshwater exposure
• Early diagnosis is critical as the amoeba causes rapidly progressive disease; consider Naegleria in differential diagnosis for meningitis cases with atypical features and relevant exposure history
• Freshwater activities (swimming, diving, water sports) are key risk factors; patients should be counselled on preventative measures including nose clips and avoiding water up the nose in warm freshwater environments

Cases caused by the amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, have numbered in the hundreds since 1960 – but it can quickly prove fatal if not diagnosed correctly.

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