Naegleria Fowleri
The Brain Eating Amoeba
The Pathological Protist
Naegleria Fowleri is a single celled amoeba that is found in very warm, fresh water (temperatures higher than 115 degrees F). Drinking the water won't make you sick; the water must go up your nose! Once in the nose, it goes to your brain, causing Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
Where Is It At?
This deadly amoeba is found in fresh waters that are very warm (115 degrees F or higher).
Don't be too worried though, over the past 10 years there have only been 35 reported cases in the US. (And only one of those was from a slip-n-slide!)
How Infection Occurs
Swimming in water containing Naegieria Fowleri can cause infection if the amoeba enters the nose and makes its way to the brain.
Symptoms of the Disease
Stage 1
- headache
- fever
- nausea or vomiting
Stage 2
- stiff neck
- confusion
- seizures
- hallucinations
- death within 5 days
Treatment for PAM
Only 3 people are known to survive this amoeba. Kali Hardig, pictured, was given new drug called Miltefosine with several other drugs and doctors worked to control her brain swelling.
Health Effects
Unfortunately, almost all cases are fatal. The long term effects of PAM aren't known because death usually occurs within 5 days of infection. As more and more people are able to beat this amoeba, we will better understand if there are lasting effects of Naegieria Fowleri.
Beverly Alford
Email: alfordb@gwd50.org
Website: http://www.gwd50.org/Domain/738
Phone: 8642294301 2816