Amoebic meningoencephalitis, caused by the parasite Naegleria fowleri, under a microscope. A Florida resident has died from a rare disease caused by an amoeba that affects the brain and disrupts the nervous system. Doctors in Charlotte County, in the southwestern part of the state, say the infection occurred while the man was rinsing his nose with tap water. Once in the nose, the Naegleria fowleri parasite travels along the olfactory nerve to the brain and affects brain tissue. However, medical professionals note that drinking water contaminated with the bacterium is not dangerous. The main thing is to prevent it from entering the nose.
When this happens, contact with the nasal mucosa leads to the development of an infection, which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is almost always fatal for the patient. The name of the deceased patient is not being released by state officials; however, it is known that the infection occurred at least one week prior to death.
The Florida Department of Health reported the discovery of the infection on Thursday, February 23, stating that the infection most likely occurred “as a result of sinus irrigation” with tap water. Seven days later, on March 2, department spokesman Jay Williams confirmed that the patient had died. He also assured that representatives of several U.S. government structures “continue to investigate the circumstances of this infection” – namely, “are working with local authorities to identify any potential links and take the necessary actions.
Negleria Fowleri (informally known as “brain-eating amoeba”) is known to live in warm freshwater – in pools, lakes and ponds. The risk of bacterial infection is particularly high if the amoeba enters the body through the nose, where it comes into contact with the mucous membrane covered with olfactory receptors. However, if the amoeba enters the mouth, no infection occurs because it is neutralized by stomach acid.
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The official name of the disease caused by this single-celled microorganism is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Symptoms may include headache, sudden fever, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, neck spasms, seizures, and/or hallucinations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of three patients are diagnosed with primary amebic meningoencephalitis each year in the United States. The vast majority of these cases are fatal. In the period from 1962 to 2021, of 154 people diagnosed in the U.S., only four survived.
Statistics show that infections are very rare during the winter months. This is understandable, considering that the bacteria live in warm freshwater reservoirs. The most important precaution recommended by doctors is never to rinse your nose with tap water. This is the most common route of infection. Only sterilized or distilled water should be used for nasal irrigation. Water from the water supply can be used for these purposes only if it is boiled for at least one minute and then cooled before use.
Infected brain tissue. It is also recommended that you avoid getting water in your nose when swimming, bathing or showering, just to be on the safe side. As a preventive measure, experts recommend avoiding swimming in fresh water during hot weather and using special nose clips when swimming in pools and water parks. Nigleria Fowleri is a heat-loving organism. The bacteria feels most comfortable at a temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius. However, it can generally withstand temperatures up to 46 degrees. It is rarely found in countries with cold climates. In Russia, no cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis infection have been officially recorded. However, scientists note that due to climate change, it is possible that the disease will gradually spread to colder regions.