Arizona Health Officials Confirm No Brain-Eating Amoeba Found in Recent Illness
In a recent case of illness in Arizona, health officials have ruled out the presence of a deadly brain-eating amoeba. The Arizona Department of Health Services sent samples to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation, but the test results came back negative.
The patient’s identity remains undisclosed, including their name, age, and hometown. However, it is confirmed that the illness was not caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, which has a fatality rate of over 97%. According to the CDC, only four people have survived out of the 157 known cases in the United States between 1962 and 2022.
Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare but almost always fatal. Most people become infected by getting water up their nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain and cause a devastating infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, and hot springs can naturally harbor the amoeba, posing a low but existing risk of infection.
The Arizona Department of Health Services advises recreational swimmers to exercise caution when entering warm bodies of freshwater and to assume the risk of infection. This includes taking preventive measures such as wearing nose clips and avoiding putting heads or faces underwater in warm freshwater.
While the Naegleria fowleri amoeba is typically found in natural freshwater environments, it can also be present in poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads, and aquatic recreational sites lacking adequate chlorine levels. The CDC emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance and chlorination in these facilities to minimize the risk of infection.
Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection include headaches, nausea, vomiting, sudden onset of fever, and a stiff neck, particularly if individuals have recently been in warm freshwater. If anyone experiences these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
It is essential to remain cautious and take necessary precautions when engaging in recreational activities in warm bodies of freshwater. While the recent case in Arizona has ruled out a brain-eating amoeba as the cause of illness, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with certain environments. By staying informed and following recommended guidelines, individuals can protect themselves and reduce the risk of infection.
