Man in US Contracts Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba While Swimming in Lake

The Louisiana Department of Health has reported a case of infection with a rare and almost always fatal microorganism — Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.” According to officials, the infection most likely entered the patient’s body through the nasal passages while he was swimming in Lake Claiborne in the northwestern part of the state.

The man-made lake, which covers roughly 2,600 hectares, is a popular spot for anglers, tourists and swimmers. The infected man’s symptoms appeared quickly: severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. Within a few days he also developed hallucinations, seizures and stiffness in the neck muscles.

The disease progresses extremely fast

Doctors say the infection advances rapidly and is fatal in the vast majority of cases. The culprit is Naegleria fowleri, a single-celled organism invisible to the naked eye. Because the disease progresses so quickly, it is often diagnosed only after the patient has died.

The Louisiana Department of Health stresses that infection with the amoeba is “extremely rare” but almost always deadly. The microorganism thrives in warm freshwater and spreads most easily at temperatures between 30 and 46 degrees Celsius.

How to protect yourself

Health officials say the overall risk of infection is low, but swimmers should assume it is always present when bathing in warm freshwater. The chances of infection can be reduced by keeping water out of the nose.

Experts note that swallowing contaminated water is not dangerous, and the infection cannot be passed from person to person. The amoeba is not found in salt water or in properly chlorinated swimming pools. At the same time, scientists warn that global warming could make the problem worse in the future.

According to the health department, the only guaranteed way to avoid infection is to avoid swimming in warm freshwater altogether. If that’s not possible, experts recommend using a nose clip.

Read also: 8 best swimming spots near Prague: lakes, quarries and beaches within an hour’s drive of the capital

Source: novinky.cz