the beach in the Lake of Three Fires State Park will be temporarily closed to swimmers, said the Iowa Department of Public Health: “Is a precautionary response to a confirmed Naegleria fowleri infection in a Missouri resident with potential exposure recently while swimming at the beach.
The health agency is working to test lake water and “confirm the presence of Naegleria fowleri”, which will take several days, according to an official statement. They also assured that they are not investigating additional suspected cases in Missouri or Iowa.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health clarified that -although the infection is not common- since 1962 there have been 154 cases and the 97% do not survive because there is no certified treatment to combat it. Local media reported that the person from Missouri remains in intensive care since admission to hospital.
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NEWS worldwide
How infection occurs
Naegleria fowleri causes infection when the water with the amoeba enters the body through the nose. This usually happens when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like Lakes and rivers. The amoeba travels from the nose to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue.
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Newsweek in Spanish
What are the symptoms of infection
Cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (MAP), a brain infection that causes destruction of brain tissue. In its early stages, the symptoms of PAM can be similar to those of Bacterial meningitis. The first symptoms of PAM appear a few 5 days (between 1 to 7 days) after getting the infection and may include:
- Headache.
- Light sensitivity.
- Fever.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Neck stiffness.
- Confusion.
- Lack of attention.
- Loss of balance.
- seizures
- Hallucinations.
After the onset of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death in about 5 days (between 1 to 12 days).
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geo world
Where is it located
- Bodies of warm fresh water, such as lakes or rivers.
- Geothermal (naturally hot) waters, such as hot springs.
- sewage water warm water discharged by industrial plants.
- Sources of geothermal drinking water (naturally hot).
- poorly maintained poolswith minimally chlorinated or non-chlorinated water.
- Water heaters.
Naegleria fowleri grows best at high temperatures down to 46°C and can survive for short periods higher temperatures.
Source: Ambito
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