Deadly brain-eating amoeba spreading across the US: What can you do to prevent it?

Called naegleria fowleri, this brain-eating amoeba is usually found in warm freshwater like rivers, ponds, lakes and springs. Infections occur when it enters the brain through the nose.

By: Longjam Dineshwori | | Published: December 22, 2020 7:07 pm

Computer-generated representation of Naegleria fowleri in its ameboid trophozoite stage, in its flagellated stage, and in its cyst stage. Image credit: CDC

The scientists from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have warned that a deadly brain-eating amoeba is slowly spreading across the United States. The single-cell amoeba, called naegleria fowleri, is usually found in warm freshwater like rivers, ponds, lakes and springs. It is typically found in the more humid states such as Florida. Usually, the amoeba enters the body through the nose from where it heads to the brain. Once the organism enters the brain through the olfactory nerves, it destroys brain tissue and causes a devastating brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Although the infection is extremely rare, it is usually fatal. Also Read - Frozen viral outbreak: Melting Arctic ice could awaken deadly ancient viruses, warn scientists

In a study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, the researchers cautioned that this brain-eating amoeba is gradually advancing northwards from the southern United States, with more cases popping up in Midwestern states than before. Also Read - World Environment Day 2020: Climate change can aggravate deadly disease outbreaks

According to the study, 145 people contracted the infection between 1962 and 2018 in the US, out of which only four have survived. Also Read - Every child's future under threat from climate change: Report

The researchers analysed 85 cases of the amoeba across the US between 1978 and 2018. While majority of the cases were reported in the southern states, six were reported in the Midwest, including Minnesota, Kansas and Indiana. Of these six northern cases, five were reported after 2010, the report said.

Climate change blamed for the spread of the amoeba

The CDC researchers blamed climate change for the growing number of PAM cases across the US. The amoeba thrives in waters of 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) and as more of the US warms due to climate change, it is finding waters which are suitable for its life, they said.

They noted that cases are moving northward by approximately 8.2 miles (13.3 kilometres) per year.

In addition to the rising temperatures, consequent increases in recreational water use, such as swimming and water sports, may be contributing to the changing epidemiology of PAM, the researchers wrote in the study.

Signs and symptoms of the brain infection

Once one has been infected by this amoeba, survival is rare – according to Dr David Kaufman, professor and chair at the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology.

Dr Kaufman shed more light about this brain-eating amoeba in an interview with AccuWeather, an American media company that provides commercial weather forecasting services worldwide, earlier this year.

According to him, symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of the brain infection, but it may take a few days for issues to emerge. The most common symptom of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a severe headache. However, the brain infection can lead to seizures and weakness in the face, arms, legs and a loss of speech.

Anti-amoeba medication may be ineffective if the infection becomes overwhelming, he stated.

How to prevent the brain infection

There is no rapid test for detection of this organism in water. Therefore, the CDC said that the only sure way to prevent these infections is to avoid swimming in warm freshwater. If you go swimming in warm freshwater, try to avoid having water go up your nose by holding your nose closed, using nose clips or keeping your head above water, it said.

Infections occur when contaminated water goes up a person’s nose, but swallowing contaminated water will not cause the infection, the CDC added.

Published : December 22, 2020 7:07 pm

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