Brain-Eating Parasite Lurks in Warm or Stagnant Water

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The Florida Department of Health has issued warnings in the past to residents to keep out of stagnant fresh water. Stagnant water, especially as the days grow warmer, can contain many microscopic killers, including Naegleria Fowleri (also called the brain-eating amoeba). Amoeba is actually a misnomer since it is actually a unicellular parasite. NF is not known to exist in salt water. Since this parasite enters through the nose, the FDH and CDC (U. S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention), have suggested the following: *Don't swim in fresh water, especially stagnant water; but if you do: *Wear nose clips. *Hold your nose shut. *Keep head out of ANY fresh water. *Stay out of fresh water during high temperatures and low water levels. *Avoid stirring up sediment. Warm-water discharge areas around industrial plants and poorly chlorinated swimming pools should be avoided. While rare, Naegleria Fowleri can cause PAM (Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis). There have been only two known survivors in the 128 cases from 1962-2012. Symptoms start within 5 days; and death usually occurs within 7-14 days. In the summer of 2011 4 people were killed - one each in VA, FL, KS and LA. The parasite invades the central nervous system through the nose and works its way into the brain. There it begins to consume brain cells. Symptoms can include changes in taste and smell, vomiting, nausea, fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, hallucinations, Ataxia (involuntary muscle movements), lack of attention, seizures and eventually coma. Death occurs when the parasite works its way into the brain stem and causes respiratory failure. Quick diagnosis is the answer. Unfortunately, many of the initial symptoms presented are generic. There have been advances in treatment which saved the lives of a 5-year old girl and a 64-year old man. They were given one amebicidal drug and two amebistatic drugs. I'm sure doctors in warm climates will be vigilant for anyone presenting any of the initial symptoms. Please be careful when swimming in fresh water this summer and be very aware of any symptoms that you may develop. Photo Credit: Pixabay