In Missouri, an adult lost their life earlier this month after being infected by a brain-eating amoeba, authorities confirmed.
The unnamed individual was diagnosed with Naegleria fowleri on August 13, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The infection is believed to have occurred while they were enjoying water slides at an Ozark lake, and investigations are underway regarding the circumstances.
Health officials announced the patient’s death occurred at a hospital in the St. Louis area on Wednesday.
Naegleria fowleri, as detailed by the CDC, is a single-celled organism typically found in warm freshwater environments and soil. Since 1962, the CDC reports that only 167 cases of this kind of infection have been documented in the U.S., according to Missouri health authorities.
Recently, a 12-year-old boy in South Carolina also died from a similar infection. Earlier this year, a Texas woman succumbed after using tap water for sinus irritation while at an RV park. There were also two reported deaths last year linked to the use of Neti pots.
Dr. Dennis Kyle, a professor specializing in infectious diseases and cell biology, explains that Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm bodies of water and can be pushed into the nose during water activities, allowing it to reach the brain, where it begins to damage tissue.
This infection risk seems to increase in the warm months, particularly for those partaking in activities in freshwater.
While anyone can potentially become infected, the CDC notes that young boys are among the most frequently affected groups. There’s some speculation that this may be due to their adventurous nature, often jumping into water or stirring up sediments at lake and river bottoms.
The brain infection, called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), can lead to symptoms like fever, headaches, stiff neck, seizures, and even hallucinations within two weeks of exposure. Tragically, it is nearly always fatal, with death typically occurring within five days of the onset of symptoms, though it can extend over a few weeks.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Altered mental state
- Hallucinations
Treating Naegleria fowleri infections usually involves a combination of antifungal and antibiotic treatments. Inducing hypothermia may also help to protect the brain tissue while the patient receives care.
Unfortunately, the survival rate is extremely low, with the CDC estimating a fatality rate of about 97%. Early detection and treatment are critical, though diagnosing the infection can often be challenging, leading to delays in appropriate care.
Officials emphasize that prevention is the most effective strategy against this infection. Recommendations include using nose clips while in warm freshwater, keeping your head above the water, and avoiding shallow areas where the amoeba is more likely to thrive.
