A new brain-eating amoeba was recently found in Florida, United States. It was just a microscopic single-cell that could potentially enter a human brain through the nose. Now, authorities warn everyone to stay away from swimming on lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. to prevent from being infected with the said microorganism.
New amoeba found in Florida: it could inflict human brain
Are you a regular swimmer in deserted, locally-known ponds, lakes, or rivers (especially in Florida)? Here comes a warning, straight from the state's Department of Health (DOH): Be careful about swimming in these water bodies. There might be a dangerous brain-eating amoeba that could enter your body through your nose.
BBC reported on Monday, July 6, about a rare case of a patient located in Hillsborough County, Florida. DOH confirms that the man had contracted Naegleria fowleri.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this type of microorganism is a "brain-eating amoeba that can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)."
Florida's DOH did not provide details on whether the contracted man was still alive or not. However, it was explained that the man may get it from swimming in a body of water in the county.
As said, this brain-eating amoeba goes inside the human body through the nose. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it will travel directly to the human brain, causing the PAM infection. CDC warned that this amoeba could cause the 'fatal' status of the patient that acquired it.
Where could you get it?
Usually, Naegleria fowleri is a type of amoeba that is active on warm-temperature bodies of water. Months like July, August, or September are the dates wherein these types of deadly organisms are typically found in lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Though it's rare for Floridians to receive these types of amoeba warnings, it was already their 37th amoeba case since 1962.
Ascension Parish and St Bernard Parish in New Orleans had the same brain-eating amoeba, back in July 2015. It was an important warning at the time to safely drink in tap waters. That includes not making your water enter your nose. And the same thing applies to the Floridians.
Aside from that warning, DOH also posted several more reminders for their citizens, including:
- Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater bodies, hot springs, and thermally polluted water such as water around power plants.
- 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 warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.
- Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
