Health officials issue a warning after a Florida resident becomes infected with a rare and usually deadly brain-eating amoeba
- According to the Florida Department of Health statement, the patient contracted Naegleria fowleri in Hillsborough County.
- The amoeba can cause a rare brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (MAP) that destroys brain tissue and is usually fatal.
- The amoeba is found in warm temperate water such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and canals.
- Infections can occur when contaminated water enters the body through the nose
Florida health officials have revealed that a person has been infected with a rare and usually deadly brain-eating amoeba.
According to the Department of Health, the patient contracted Naegleria fowleri in Hillsborough County.
Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled microscopic live amoeba, the department said in a statement Friday.
The amoeba can cause a rare brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (MAP) that destroys brain tissue and is usually fatal.
Florida health officials have revealed that a person has been infected with a rare and usually deadly brain-eating amoeba called Naegleria fowleri (3D illustration in the photo)
According to health officials, the amoeba is commonly found in warm temperate water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and canals.
Infections can occur when contaminated water enters the body through the nose.
Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM.
“It is essential to seek medical attention immediately, as the disease progresses rapidly after the onset of symptoms,” said the health department.
Those symptoms include headaches, fever, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, loss of balance, or hallucinations after swimming in warm water.
Authorities said this type of infection generally occurs when temperatures rise for prolonged periods of time. The high season for this amoeba is July, August and September.
While the amoeba is found in many freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers, health officials said it is more common in the southern states.
There are only 37 reported cases of exposure in Florida since 1962.
According to health officials, the amoeba is commonly found in warm temperate water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and canals. Infections can occur when contaminated water enters the body through the nose
Health officials also listed recommendations for residents who have plans to swim in freshwater bodies.
People should avoid ‘water-related activities in warm freshwater bodies, hot springs, and thermally contaminated water, such as the water around power plants.’
It is also important to avoid water-related activities in warm temperate water “during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.”
“Keep your nose closed or wear nose clips when participating in water-related activities in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs,” authorities said.
Finally, people should avoid ‘digging or removing sediment while participating in water-related activities in shallow, warm areas of fresh water.’
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