Some diseases are so frightening to us that they bring to mind apocalyptic scenarios. Therefore, public bodies responsible for reporting and analyzing these conditions are also on constant alert for cases that lead to human death, even on a small scale.
In this sense, the population of the United States has shown concern about the increase in cases of a certain disease. People are already being warned about the danger of this fatal problem, which has a popular name that is even more frightening and causes panic. We are referring to the “brain-eating” amoeba.
Brain-eating amoeba worries Americans
An alert posted on Ohio Journal of Public Health has raised concerns about a causative agent of a rare but potentially fatal disease.
A Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, or simply PAM. Although rare, this disease has a high mortality rate, exceeding 95% of those infected. In addition, the agent, invisible to the naked eye, is usually only detected after the health problem has been confirmed.
Concern has increased after the case of a man who died in March of this year after contracting PAM. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to avoid contamination.
Symptoms of the disease and how it acts
The organism attacks brain tissue, quickly destroying the organ and killing the host. Problems are caused when the protozoan enters through the nose, since stomach acid can kill it if it enters through the mouth.
The condition causes symptoms such as headache, fever, seizures, hallucinations, nausea, loss of balance, stiff neck and can lead to death.
Places to avoid
Microorganisms are generally found in warm fresh water, especially in the warmest areas of rivers and lakes, which are the most popular places to swim. The amoeba has spread due to the climate changes that are occurring around the world.
In the United States, about three people are affected by the brain-eating worm every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), so health experts are being advised to scout areas with warm freshwater or untreated water.
The CDC reports:
“Naegleria fowleri It is a heat-loving (thermophilic) organism, meaning it thrives in heat and likes warm water. It grows best in high temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) and can survive for short periods in even higher temperatures. […] However, it is possible for amoebas to live in water temperatures below 80°F (26°C).”
