Naegleria fowleri commonly referred to as the "brain-eating amoeba" , is a free-living microscopic amoeba single-celled living organism.
It can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis PAM. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater e. Naegleria fowleri usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once in the nose, the amoeba travels to the brain where it causes PAM which is usually fatal. Infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places like lakes and rivers.
In very rare instances, Naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated and contaminated tap water enters the nose.
Naegleria fowleri is normally found in the natural environment and is well adapted to surviving in various habitats, particularly warm-water environments. Although the trophozoite stage is relatively sensitive to environmental changes, the cysts are more environmentally hardy.
Lake Granbury, TX. Case study -Naegleria Fowleri. Reported Cases. Print - N - Share. Amoeba Awareness Flyer. Advocates of. Amoeba Awareness. Awareness Links. Kyle Lewis Amoeba Awareness Foundation. Naegleria Fowleri. There have been hundreds of cases documented worldwide. The documented number of cases tells us this is a 'rare' disease; however, with misdiagnosed cases due to lack of information and education and the speed of destruction,.
Most importantly, if you happen to experience unusual symptoms, including unusual frontal headache, fever, nausea, and stiff neck within a week or two of possible exposure to Nf e. Early detection and treatment provide the best and ONLY chance of survival.
Hundreds of millions of visits to freshwater venues occur each year in the United States result in only a handful 0 to 8 of PAM infections. It is unknown why certain persons become infected with the amoebas while millions of others exposed to recreational waters containing the amoebas do not.
This situation is akin to walking across a country road and not looking for cars. While the chance of getting hit may be tiny, the consequence of getting hit is catastrophic. So, look when you cross streets, teach children when swimming or showering to try to keep water out of their nose , and always use sterile, boiled, or distilled water with neti pots. Awareness of Nf risks should be what guides our precautions. The world is filled with risks, this one should not induce panic as it is extremely low and easily avoided.
Bruce K. He was active in training water treatment operators in the wake of Nf concerns in Louisiana in and Click here to download this article. Bernard, PhD, and Stephen A.
Researchers don't know how to get rid of natural Naegleria fowleri in lakes, rivers and other freshwater sources, so people who go swimming in warm freshwater should assume that there is a low risk of infection, the CDC says. If you choose to go swimming in warm freshwater, you can try to avoid having water go up your nose by holding your nose closed, using nose clips or keeping your head above water, the CDC says.
Original article on Live Science. Rachael has been with Live Science since She also holds a B. Live Science.
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