Dear Reader,

The term “brain-eating amoeba” refers to Naegleria Fowleri, a type of amoeba. This tiny organism lives in warm freshwater, such as lakes and rivers. When brain-eating amoeba gets into the human body through the nose, usually while swimming or diving, it can travel to the brain. When it reaches the brain, it destroys brain tissue, causing a rare but deadly infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It’s important to note that PAM is a rare occurrence, typically associated with swimming or diving in warm freshwater that is contaminated with brain-eating amoeba.

Brain-eating amoeba or Naegleria Fowleri thrives in warm environments. Brain-eating amoeba infection can spread to a person when contaminated water from any of the following sources enters the nose of a person:

•   Warm freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds)
•   Soil and sediment at the bottom of lakes, rivers, and ponds
•   Naturally hot water (hot springs)
•   Poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads, and surf parks
•   Tap water
•   Warm water discharge from industrial or power plants
•   Water heaters

You cannot get the brain-eating amoeba infection from:

1. Swallowing water-containing brain-eating amoeba
2. Swimming in properly cleaned and maintained pools

Please note: There is no evidence that the brain-eating amoeba can spread through water vapour or aerosol droplets (e.g., shower mist, humidifier vapour).

Brain eating amoeba infections do not spread from person to person or cause outbreaks.

Hope this helps.

Dear Reader,

Air pollution and its health risks are concerning. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution can cause lung cancer even in non-smokers.

The specialised cancer agency of the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), has announced that it has classified outdoor air pollution as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). 

Particulate matter, a major component of outdoor air pollution, was evaluated separately and was also classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).  

To prevent health risks, we as a community must make conscious efforts to keep our environment healthy. Follow and spread awareness around measures to reduce air pollution. 

In order to reduce your risk at an individual level, consider the following:

1. Wear masks when stepping out of the house 
2. Use air purifiers at home and in the workspace (if possible) 
3. Indoor plants can help improve indoor air quality
4. Get routine health checkups to catch any disease or infection early on
5. Reduce your exposure to all known carcinogens, including tobacco and alcohol
6. Eat healthy, sleep well and exercise daily

If you are a person with a strong family history of cancer, you must inform your doctor and get regular screenings for cancer. 

Wish you good health!

Dear Reader, 

AIDS, caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), spreads primarily through certain bodily fluids of an infected person. Here are the common ways to understand how AIDS is spread:

1. Unprotected Sexual Contact: HIV is commonly transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. The virus is present in the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and rectal fluids of an infected individual.
2. Sharing Needles: HIV can be spread by sharing needles or syringes with someone who is infected. This is often seen among people who inject drugs.
3. Mother-to-Child Transmission: An HIV-positive mother can transmit the virus to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
4. Blood Transfusions: Although rare due to rigorous screening, HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants from an infected donor.
5. Exposure to Infected Blood: Healthcare workers can be at risk if they come into contact with HIV-infected blood through needle stick injuries or other exposures.
6. Use of unsterilised surgical instruments, tattoos, razor blades, etc., can also spread HIV from an infected person to a healthy person. 

Regarding the alarming number of HIV cases among students in Tripura, the spread of HIV in this population is said to be due to:

• Lack of Awareness: Insufficient knowledge about HIV prevention and transmission can contribute to the spread.
• Substance Abuse: Sharing needles for drug use can be a significant risk factor.
• Stigma and Fear: Fear of seeking information or testing due to stigma may result in undiagnosed and untreated cases, leading to further spread.

Hope this helps.

Dear Reader, 

This dangerous practice was once trending on social media to prevent and cure COVID-19. It was then that ‘The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’ released this warning in the public interest: DO NOT put hydrogen peroxide into your nebulizer and breathe it in. This is dangerous!

Hydrogen peroxide nebulization is not a recommended or proven treatment for viral infections. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of hydrogen peroxide in a nebulized form for curing viral infections, in fact, it can be dangerous for your health. 

Inhaling hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation and damage to the respiratory tract, lungs, and other tissues. Do not use hydrogen peroxide nebulisation. 

To treat viral infections, it is best to follow your doctor’s guidance and rely on established medical treatments and preventive measures such as vaccinations, antiviral medications (if applicable), good hygiene practices, and supportive care.

Hope this helps.