A new case of fatal infection by Naegleria fowleri, known as brain eating amoeba, was registered in the United States.
This time, a man, whose age was not disclosed, resident of the state of Georgia, lost his life after being infected by the deadly parasite while swimming in a lake.
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Authorities believe the victim was contaminated by coming into contact with fresh water. A Naegleria fowleri enters the human body through the nose and migrates to the brain along the olfactory nerve, causing a serious condition called Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (MAP).
Symptoms usually appear between one and twelve days after exposure to infected water, and the condition can rapidly worsen, leading to death within a period of up to eighteen days.
The incidence of this infection is rare, with only 157 cases recorded between 1962 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, the fatality rate is alarming, reaching more than 97%, with only four survivors in the world reported so far.
The thermophilic amoeba is commonly found in lake waters in the South of the United States during the summer, mainly in the states of Florida, Texas and California, which concentrate the majority of cases.
It develops best in high temperatures, being able to withstand even higher thermal levels for short periods, up to approximately 46°C.
Experts warn that prevention is key to preventing infection. Avoiding swimming in fresh water during warmer periods and wearing nose protection when coming into contact with lakes can help reduce your risk of getting the cold. Naegleria fowleri.
The severity of the infection makes public awareness and the adoption of adequate preventive measures essential, especially in regions where the amoeba is more common.
Last month, a two-year-old child was another fatal victim of the microorganism. Health authorities are monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of bathers and prevent new cases.
