Brain-Eating Amoebas: What You Need to Know

A Charlotte County, Florida, resident has passed away due to contracting an uncommon brain-eating amoeba that infects the brain.

Brain-eating amoebas, also known as Naegleria fowleri, are a rare but deadly type of amoeba that can cause a severe brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). These amoebas are found in warm freshwater and soil, and they typically enter the body through the nose when someone swims in contaminated water. Here's what you need to know about Naegleria fowleri.

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Symptoms of Brain-Eating Amoeba

If you've been infected with mind-eating amoebas, you'll typically start to experience symptoms within one to seven days. These symptoms can include:

1. Fever

2. Headache

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Stiff neck

5. Seizures

6. Altered mental status

7. Hallucinations

8. Coma

These symptoms can be similar to those of other types of infections, so it's important to seek medical attention right away if you're experiencing any of these symptoms after swimming in warm freshwater.

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How Brain-Eating Amoebas Work

Brain-eating amoebas typically enter the body through the nose and then travel up the olfactory nerve to the brain. Once they reach the brain, they start to destroy brain tissue, leading to the symptoms of PAM. Unfortunately, PAM is almost always fatal, with only a handful of people surviving the infection.

Naegleria fowler are most common in southern united states(Edward Jenner/ Pexels)

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Brain-Eating Amoeba Locations, How to Prevent it, and Treatment

Naegleria fowleri is typically found in warm freshwater sources such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools. Amoeba thrive in water temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 40°C (104°F), and they are most common in the southern United States during the summer months. However, cases of Naegleria fowleri infection have been reported worldwide, including in Asia, Australia, and Europe.

It is important to note that brain-eating amoebas are not typically found in saltwater, so swimming in the ocean or other saltwater bodies is typically safe. Nevertheless, it is essential to always take proper precautions when swimming in freshwater.

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Preventing Brain-Eating Amoebas

The best way to prevent Naegleria Fowler is to avoid swimming in warm freshwater. If you do decide to swim in freshwater, make sure to:

• Avoid submerging your head underwater
• Use nose clips to keep water from entering your nose
• Stay in shallow water

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Treatment of Naegleria fowleri

The treatment of Naegleria fowleri is often challenging due to the severity of the infection and the rapid progression of symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better chance of survival. Here are some common treatment approaches for Naegleria fowleri infection:

Anti-amoeba drugs: Antifungal and antibiotic drugs, such as miltefosine and fluconazole, can help stop the growth and spread of the amoeba. However, the effectiveness of these drugs is still being studied and is often limited.

Supportive care: The patient may need supportive care to manage the symptoms of the infection. This may include anticonvulsants to control seizures, intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, and oxygen therapy to help with breathing.

Experimental treatments: Experimental treatments such as therapeutic hypothermia (lowering the body temperature) and using drugs that increase blood flow to the brain are being studied and used in some cases.

The treatment of Naegleria fowleri, is often challenging (CDC/ Pexels)

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Naegleria fowleri is a rare but deadly type of amoeba that can cause a severe brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis. The best way to prevent these infections is to avoid swimming in warm freshwater or to take precautions to prevent water from entering your nose if you do swim in freshwater. If you do experience symptoms of PAM after swimming in freshwater, seek medical attention right away.