Amritsar: An alarming health advisory has been issued by senior neurologist Dr. Arjimand Yaqoob of EMC Hospital, Amritsar, regarding the deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba. Though rare, this parasite is extremely lethal and is most commonly found in contaminated or warm water sources. It enters the human body through the nose and directly attacks the brain. Importantly, drinking water does not spread the disease—only nasal entry makes it fatal.
According to Dr. Yaqoob, early symptoms of the infection include severe and unbearable headaches, persistent fever, vomiting, stiff neck, and confusion. In many cases, these signs resemble ordinary viral infections, but the rapid deterioration in a patient’s condition highlights the seriousness. He stressed that immediate medical consultation is critical, as early treatment is the only way to save lives.
EMC Hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities to detect and manage such infections. The hospital’s team of specialists prioritizes these cases and begins treatment without delay. Dr. Yaqoob cautioned that any delay in seeking care could prove fatal.
Issuing a strong advisory to the public, he urged citizens to avoid swimming in contaminated water bodies such as ponds, lakes, canals, or unhygienic swimming pools. If swimming is unavoidable, using a nose clip can prevent water from entering the nasal passages. People must also ensure the use of clean and safe water for daily activities.
Dr. Yaqoob appealed to residents not to ignore unusual symptoms and to seek medical attention promptly. He described the Brain-Eating Amoeba as an “invisible enemy” that silently enters the body through water and threatens human life.
Awareness, caution, and timely medical treatment, he emphasized, remain the strongest defenses against this deadly infection.
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