Naegleria Fowleri: A Deadly Parasite

Naegleria Fowleri is a deadly amoeba. This parasite infects its hosts and causes a severe brain infection. The Center for Disease Control reports that there have been thirty-three cases of Naegleria infection reported in the United States from 1998-2007. The summer of 2007 had six fatal cases of the infection.

Naegleria Fowleri is commonly found in warm water in the southern United States. It can also be found in geothermal hot springs, lakes, rivers, and unchlorinated swimming pools.

Drinking water containing the Naegleria parasite will not harm a human. The amoeba enters the body through the nose, which means that swimmers in these freshwater areas are at risk. The amoeba travels up the nose to the brain and the spinal cord where it destroys the tissue.

Infections from Naegleria Fowleri are very rare. People are at higher risk during the warmer months of July and August. These infections are more likely to occur when there is a heat wave causing higher water temperatures and lower water levels.

Initial symptoms of a Naegleria infection normally start between one and fourteen days after exposure. The initial symptoms are similar to meningitis. The symptoms include headache, fever, vomiting, and a stiff neck.

As the disease progresses the symptoms can get worse. Additional symptoms include confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. Death normally occurs between three and seven days after the start of the initial symptoms.

As of right now, the Center for Disease Control is reporting that there is no known cure for Naegleria Fowleri infection. There are drugs that work against the amoeba in the laboratory, but since most infected patients die even with treatment the effectiveness of these drugs are questionable.

It is important to keep in mind that this is a low level risk. Infection from Naegleria Fowleri is rare. The amoeba is commonly found in freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs in the southern states.