Rare Freshwater Amoeba attacks Brain of Young Florida Resident
A particular type of amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, has made news recently for landing a young Florida resident in the hospital. While knee-boarding with friends in a fresh water channel, the boy is believed to have contracted this pathogenic amoeba by simply getting water in his nasal cavity. Symptoms of extreme fatigue, nausea and hallucinations have been reported within hours to days of first exposure.
Dozens of amoeba species are found in freshwater ponds and lakes throughout the world. Generally amoebas are not harmful to people, however the ones that are can kill – and kill quickly.
This amoeba penetrates the mucosa lining of the nose and travels along the olfactory nerve into the brain. Once inside the brain, the amoeba begins attacking nervous system tissue which causes swelling as the body’s immune system attempts to fight off the amoeba. This condition is called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that only three people in the last 50 years have survived the disease. Since 1962 there have been approximately 130 documented cases. The most recent victim in Florida is being treated with an experimental drug that continues to help an Arkansas youth fight the same infection she also contracted this summer.
Naegleria fowleri is naturally found in warm freshwater, hot springs and occasionally in warm pool water which has not been properly chlorinated. It thrives at temperatures around 118 degrees Fahrenheit. In light of this recent infection, the Florida Department of Health published this warning on its website, “We want to remind Floridians to be wary when swimming, jumping or diving in fresh water when water temperatures are high and water levels are low.”
Millions of people enjoy freshwater recreation every year and are not infected. At this time, scientists have no idea why some people are susceptible to the amoeba while most are not. To minimize the risk of infection, officials say wear nose plugs or keep the nose above water at all times while swimming in warm water, especially during late summer months when water conditions are particularly favorable for Naegleria fowleri.
Both the Arkansas girl, Kali Hardig, 12 infected on July 9th and the Florida boy, Zachary Reyna, 12 infected on August 3rd, continue their battle against this life-threatening meningitis under the careful watch of their families, medical teams and CDC officials.
Additional References:
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/brain-eating-amoeba-remains-rare-deadly-6C10916521
