Brain Eating Amoeba: Cool off in watery havens amid the summer heat. The “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri may be waiting for you under the waves.
This little threat killed three U.S. swimmers this year. It sneaks up. Naegleria fowleri can enter through the nose during submersion and produce primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). This deadly disease kills brain cells.
Four of 157 victims of this terrible force survived from 1962 to 2022. 97% of those attacked died. Morgan Ebenroth’s lake swimming death is heartbreaking. An amoeba killed a 2-year-old after a hot spring bath. Even washing one’s face with tap water can introduce Nagleria fowleri.
Trinity Health infectious disease expert Tammy Lundstrom says brain-eating amoebas are unusual. The danger is lowless than 10 U.S. instances yearlybut its effects are generally permanent. Few have defeated this cunning foe.
The warm Southern U.S. is ideal for this bacteria, causing the greatest infections. Texas and Florida suffered the most. Even the colder north has had a few incidents. Nagleria fowleri doesn’t affect surfers because it dwells in fresh water.
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This amoeba thrives in 115°F water. Thus, JulySeptember are the most risky. Rising air and water temperatures due to climate change may encourage this little opponent to appear.
PAM symptoms appear five days after contact, like a nightmare. Headaches, nausea, fever, and vomiting indicate a storm. Confusion, stiff necks, nightmares, seizures, and comas may occur as the infection worsens.
Lundstrom emphasizes the need to keep water out of your nostrils when swimming. Water in the nose lets infections take possession. Stirring up sediment may reveal hidden dangers, so beware.
If you get it, several anti-fungal drugs can save your life. The horrific death rate casts doubt on hope. People who get unwell after swimming in freshwater need immediate medical attention.
Lundstrom emphasizes this delicate tango with danger’s rarity. Summer swimming is popular, but deaths are few. Naegleria fowleri can be avoided by covering your head and letting the water’s attraction envelop you.
Our Reader’s Queries
Where is brain eating amoeba found?
Naegleria fowleri can be found globally, typically in warm or hot freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. This microscopic organism is frequently present in lakes located in the southern part of the country, but has also been responsible for infections in states further north, like Minnesota. It thrives in warm or hot water, making it important to be cautious when swimming or bathing in such environments.
Can brain eating amoeba be cured?
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is typically treated using a combination of drugs, such as amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone. These medications are utilized because they are believed to be effective against Naegleria fowleri and have been successful in treating patients who have recovered from the infection.
Can brain eating amoeba be found in tap water?
On rare occasions, Naegleria fowleri has caused fatalities when people inhale tap water through their nose 1-5. This organism can thrive in both public and private water systems, particularly in areas with inadequate disinfection, such as low levels of chlorine or chloramine.
What kills Naegleria fowleri in water?
The combination of chlorination and UV light treatment successfully eradicated N. fowleri.