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“Brain-Eating Amoeba” It’s Not Just About America … What About Korea?
Reporter Jeon Hye-young Health Chosun
2020/09/28 15:26
In Spain and Pakistan … It is found mainly in the ‘hot river’
▲ Photo / photo of single-celled organism ‘Negleria Fowlary’ = screenshot from US CDC website.
In a situation where the corona light does not go out, a microorganism known to be “ breaking the brain ” appeared in Texas, United States, and was delivered again. In particular, microbes are known to have been found in tap water, increasing citizen anxiety. Why was such a microorganism found in tap water? Is it safe in Korea? We learned more about the ‘Negleria Fowlery’ discovered in Texas.
Microbes that live in warm river water enter through the nose and invade the brain
In the tap water of Lake Jackson, Texas, USA, ‘Negleria Fowlary’, known as ‘brain-eating amoeba’, was detected. Previously, when a 6-year-old boy living in the city of Jackson died after becoming infected with this amoeba, it was the result of an investigation at a local water source to determine the cause. According to local broadcasters, Mayor Lake Jackson declared a disaster and recommended that tap water be banned outside of toilets. The city then said: “It is not clear how long it will take for the tap water to be safe again,” and said: “We will keep the recommendations until the stability of the tap water test is assured.”
Negleria Fowlary is a single-celled organism found in lakes, rivers, hot springs, soil, etc., and causes an infectious disease called ‘primary amoebic meningoencephalitis’ in humans. When amoeba-containing water enters the human body through the nose, it rarely passes through the mucous membrane and invades the cerebrospinal fluid. It has been found not to be infected through drinking water or splashes. For this reason, many infected people became infected after swimming in a river or lake that was not separately disinfected. This case of a 6-year-old boy is believed to have been transmitted through the nose while showering with unusually contaminated tap water.
Until death in a short period of time, be careful when swimming in warm rivers.
The chances of getting infected with Negleria Paulory are extremely rare, but once infected, they can cause serious conditions. Initially it presents symptoms similar to bacterial meningitis. Symptoms like headache, fever, nausea and vomiting manifest for about 5 days, then progress rapidly and symptoms like stiff neck, loss of attention, loss of balance, seizures, hallucinations, etc. The brain tissue is then destroyed by infection, and most die within 1 to 12 days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a total of 145 people were infected in the United States from 1962 to 2018, of which only four survived. The mortality rate reaches 98.5% and there is no effective treatment.
Fortunately, there are no cases of Negleria Fowlery in Korea. However, there are cases that have been found abroad, such as the United States, Spain, and Pakistan, so foreign residents and travelers should be careful. There is a record that is relatively common in the southern United States, especially in summer, so it is best to refrain from swimming in slower rivers or lakes in this area. If you experience symptoms such as a sudden fever, headache, or vomiting after swimming in warm water, seek medical attention immediately. Recently, a person infected with Negleria Paulory has survived after using a new drug called miltefosin.
