What is amoebic meningoencephalitis, the brain-eating amoeba?

Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare but deadly brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, often called the 'brain-eating amoeba'. It enters the body through the nose when people swim or bathe in contaminated water. The amoeba travels to the brain, causing rapid tissue destruction, swelling, and often death. It has no vaccine and limited treatment options.