An Arkansas resident has tragically lost their life after being infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba, health officials revealed on Thursday. The incident is believed to have occurred at a country club’s splash pad, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. The rare infection, known as Naegleria fowleri, causes severe damage to brain tissue and can be fatal in certain cases.
The department has not released any details regarding the age of the individual who passed away. However, they have reassured the public that there is no ongoing risk of exposure. The investigation led the department to conclude that the person was likely exposed to the amoeba at the splash pad of the Country Club of Little Rock. To confirm this, multiple samples from the club’s pool and splash pad were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC confirmed that one of the splash pad samples indeed contained viable Naegleria fowleri.
In response to the incident, the country club has voluntarily closed its pool and splash pad, and they remain closed at present. The department has been in contact with the club throughout the investigation and commends their cooperation.
Naegleria fowleri infects individuals when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose. This commonly happens during activities like swimming, diving, or immersing one’s head in fresh water found in lakes and rivers. It is important to note that the CDC stated that people cannot contract the infection by drinking contaminated water, and that the infection itself is not contagious.
The Naegleria fowleri infection is exceedingly rare, with only around three reported cases occurring in the United States each year. Nevertheless, these infections are typically fatal. The last case reported in Arkansas was in 2013.
In light of this incident, the department emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper disinfection levels and ensuring that pools and splash pads are free from soil contamination. These precautions can significantly reduce the risk of Naegleria fowleri contamination and subsequent infections.
While this unfortunate event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with certain water activities, it is crucial to remember that such cases are extremely rare. Authorities are taking swift action to prevent any further risk to the public, and it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and follow recommended safety measures when engaging in water-related activities.
