Naegleria fowleri

Not all living creatures die. An amoeba, for example, need never die; it need not even, like certain generals, fade away. It just divides and becomes two new amoebas - George Wald

Naegleria fowleri
Naegleria fowleri

image by: Eye See Adventures

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What Happens When an Amoeba “Eats” Your Brain?

The organism responsible, Naegleria fowleri, dwells in warm freshwater lakes and rivers and usually targets children and young adults. Once in the brain it causes a swelling called primary meningoencephalitis. The infection is almost universally fatal: it kills more than 97 percent of its victims within days.

Although deadly, infections are exceedingly uncommon—there were only 34 reported in the U.S. during the past 10 years—but evidence suggests they may be increasing. Prior to 2010 more than half of cases came from Florida, Texas and other southern states. Since then, however, infections have popped up as far north as Minnesota.

“We’re seeing it in states where…

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Resources

 What Happens When an Amoeba “Eats” Your Brain?

Infections from Naegleria fowleri, the so-called brain-eating amoeba, may be on the rise--here’s what you should know about the deadly organism.

Jordan Smelski Foundation for Amoeba Awareness

To create global awareness about the risks associated with amoebas in fresh warm water and educate families and medical communities about the risks from Naegleria fowleri and Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Kyle Cares Amoeba Awareness

Kyle passed away August 29, 2010 from PAM caused by Naegleria Fowleri...we are spreading the awareness so others can protect their loved ones!

Swim Above Water

Swim Above Water was formed to initiate conversation and awareness in our community about Naegleria Fowleri, a free living microscopic amoeba and the infection It causes called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Our goal is to educate you on the risks associated with freshwater activities and how to prevent exposure to this deadly amoeba.

Parasite of the Day

N. fowleri is a free-living amoeba capable of devouring your brain! This insidious creature makes its home as a flagellated amoeboid in characteristically warm freshwater sites such as lakes, rivers, geothermal hot springs, warm water discharge from industrial plants, poorly maintained and minimally-chlorinated or unchlorinated swimming pools and Jacuzzis.

American Camp Association

4.While not a guarantee, the CDC recommends the following preventive measures when swimming in warm bodies of freshwater: avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels; hold the nose shut or use nose clips when taking part in water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater; avoid digging in, or stirring up, the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.

CDC

Signs and symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection are clinically similar to bacterial meningitis, which lowers the chances of initially diagnosing PAM. Humans become infected when water containing Naegleria fowleri enters the nose and the ameba migrates to the brain along the olfactory nerve. People do not become infected from drinking contaminated water.

MayoClinic

Some factors that might increase your risk of naegleria infection include: •Freshwater swimming. Most people who become ill have been swimming in a freshwater lake within the past two weeks. •Heat waves. The amoeba thrives in warm or hot water. •Age. Children and young adults are the most likely age groups to be affected, possibly because they're likely to stay in the water longer and are more active in the water.

MedicineNet

Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that lives predominately in warm freshwater. Naegleria fowleri is acquired by people when infected water is forcibly aspirated into the nose. This can occur through recreational swimming, diving, or during sports like water skiing. Once acquired, the amoeba travels into the brain, causing primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). In the popular press, Naegleria fowleri is sometimes called the "brain-eating amoeba," and meningoencephalitis is sometimes referred to as Naegleriasis. PAM is very rare, and there are only a few cases reported each year in the United States.

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