A youngster from central North Carolina got sickened after developing a rare infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic organism, which is commonly found in warm freshwater, as per health officials.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed that the teen developed primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a severe infection that causes an inflammation inside the brain.
Notably, officials kept the details under wraps where the teenager encountered the amoeba to protect the family’s privacy.
How does Naegleria Fowleri spread?
Naegleria fowleri can enter the body when contaminated freshwater goes inside the nose, particularly while swimming, diving or jumping into warm lakes, rivers and ponds.
The organism then travels to the brain and can cause fatal condition, which eventually leads to death.
The amoeba is not found in saltwater and is not likely present inside properly maintained and chlorinated swimming pools.
Brain eating amoeba symptoms
Brain eating amoeba symptoms include severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. The illness can rapidly progress to a stiff neck, seizures and coma.
The infection is extremely uncommon, with fewer than 10 cases typically reported every year across the US. However, it has a mortality rate of more than 95% and is usually fatal within about five days after symptoms begin.
Infections are more likely during prolonged periods of hot weather, when freshwater temperatures significantly increase and water level sharply declines.
Naegleria fowleri can survive in water temperatures reaching about 115°F.
How to prevent yourself from brain eating amoeba?
To prevent yourself from brain-eating amoeba, health officials have urged everyone to avoid dipping your nose inside the swimming pools, keeping your head above warm freshwater or holding your nose shut when swimming.
Additionally, people are also urged to avoid diving and jumping into warm freshwater during periods of high temperatures and low water levels.
The amoeba is rare, but health officials urge swimmers to understand the risk and take precautions.
