Georgia Resident Falls Victim to Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Found in Local Freshwater Lakes
Brain-Eating Amoeba: A person from Georgia has died from a rare “brain-eating amoeba,” the state health department confirmed last Wednesday.
According to the Department of Health, the person most likely became infected while swimming in a freshwater lake or pond in Georgia. This infection, called “Naegleria fowleri,” destroys brain tissue and can cause brain swelling that can be fatal. The amoeba lives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs. It is not found in salt water or properly treated drinking water and swimming pools.
Authorities did not say where the person became infected, and they did not release more information about the victim. This is the 6th known case of infection in Georgia since 1962. People can become infected by getting amoebic water in the nose. If ingested, it cannot infect humans and is not spread from person to person.
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Since there are no routine tests for this amoeba in water bodies, it is difficult to monitor its levels in the environment. The number and location of amoebae in the water can change over time.
Symptoms of this infection are severe headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. This can progress to color rigidity, convulsions, and coma, ultimately resulting in death. Symptoms usually appear about 5 days after infection but may begin 1 to 12 days after infection. The disease can develop immediately and cause death within 5 days.
To reduce the risk of infection while swimming, people can limit the amount of water that enters the nose. The CDC advises not to jump or dive into fresh water, hold your nose, and keep your head above water.
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FAQs
What does the brain-eating amoeba do?
Ans. Once inside, it travels to the brain and causes a rare and severe infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, which is usually fatal.
Where is the brain-eating amoeba found?
Ans. It can be found in warm, freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs.
What kills brain-eating amoeba in water?
Ans. Chlorine can kill brain-eating amoeba in water and keep you safe.
