Brain-eating amoebas: What you must know about the risk of swimming in fresh water

Cooling off in lakes, rivers and streams is a trademark of the summer season — however for an unfortunate few, it may possibly result in an an infection attributable to Nagleria fowleri, extra generally referred to as the brain-eating amoeba. 

In the U.S., there have been not less than three reported deaths this yr from the an infection, which happens when the amoeba enters the nostril throughout submersion in fresh water, normally whereas swimming. 

Nagleria fowleri could cause the lethal main amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which destroys mind tissue, in keeping with the CDC.

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Of the 157 folks recognized to be contaminated in the U.S. between 1962 and 2022, solely 4 people survived — that means the loss of life price is greater than 97%.

In late July, a 17-year-old Georgia woman, Morgan Ebenroth, died after changing into contaminated whereas swimming in a lake with associates.

Also in July, the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) reported {that a} 2-year-old boy died after contracting a brain-eating amoeba an infection from a pure sizzling spring.

And in February, a Florida man died after he was contaminated when washing his face and rinsing his sinuses with faucet water containing Nagleria fowleri.

Fox News Digital spoke with Tammy Lundstrom, chief medical officer and infectious illness specialist for Trinity Health in Michigan, about the dangers and the prevention of an infection.

In the U.S., there have been not less than three reported deaths this yr from the brain-eating amoeba, which enters the nostril throughout submersion in fresh water, normally whereas swimming. (iStock)

“The risk of brain-eating amoeba is very low,” she stated. “Fewer than 10 people in the U.S. every year get infected — but unfortunately most cases are fatal. There are only a handful of survivors of known cases.”

Hotspots of an infection

The southern U.S., with its hotter temperatures, has reported the most circumstances — 157 in whole between 1962 and 2022, Lundstrom stated. 

Almost half of these occurred in Texas and Florida. 

July, August and September are the highest-risk months. 

“However, there are a few even rarer cases reported from the northern states,” she stated. 

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The amoeba solely lives in fresh water, so swimming in the ocean shouldn’t be a risk, Lundstrom added.

Naegleria fowleri thrives in heat water, rising greatest at temperatures as much as 115°F. This implies that July, August and September are the highest-risk months, in keeping with the CDC’s web site.

Some consultants consider that local weather change may make Naegleria fowleri infections extra frequent.

A 3D illustration reveals a cerebrospinal fluid smear containing trophozoites of the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri. (iStock)

“As air temperatures rise, water temperatures in lakes and ponds also rise and water levels may be lower,” the CDC’s web site states.

“These conditions provide a more favorable environment for the amoeba to grow.”

It additionally says, “Heat waves, when air and water temperatures may be higher than usual, may also allow the amebae to thrive.”

Warning indicators to know

The preliminary signs of PAM normally start about 5 days after publicity, however they are often observed sooner.

Early indicators normally embrace headache, nausea, fever and/or vomiting, per the CDC.

“Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected.”

As the an infection progresses, folks might expertise confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures and coma.

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“People usually start to feel ill one to 12 days after the water exposure,” Lundstrom said. “Early symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, as they are also signs of bacterial meningitis.”

Death can occur anywhere between one and 18 days of infection, with an average of five days.

Prevention of infection

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid putting your head in the water when swimming, Lundstrom told Fox News Digital.

Those who experience sudden headache, fever, stiff neck or vomiting — especially if they’ve recently been swimming in warm freshwater — should seek immediate medical attention. (iStock)

“Infection occurs when water harboring the amoeba goes up a person’s nostril, normally throughout swimming,” she stated. 

“It is not known why some people get infected and others, even swimming companions, do not.”

Drinking contaminated water doesn’t trigger an infection, and it doesn’t unfold from one particular person to a different, Lundstrom added.

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Although a loss of life was reported this yr after a person was uncovered to Nagleria fowleri whereas washing his face and clearing his sinuses with faucet water, Lundstrom stated this can be a distant risk. 

“The best protection would be to avoid immersing your head when swimming in the summer.”

People may also use nostril clips or maintain the nostril shut to stop an infection.

Because the amoeba is discovered in soil, the CDC additionally recommends avoiding stirring up the sediment at the backside of lakes, ponds and rivers.

Treatment of brain-eating amoebas

When a affected person has been recognized with a brain-eating amoeba, remedy normally features a selection of anti-fungal drugs, in addition to antibiotics like rifampin and azithromycin, Lundstrom stated. 

Miltefosine, a more moderen anti-fungal drug, has been proven to kill Nagleria fowleri in laboratory checks and was used to deal with three of the surviving sufferers, the CDC states on its web site.

When a affected person has been recognized with brain-eating amoeba, remedy normally features a selection of anti-fungal drugs, in addition to antibiotics like rifampin and azithromycin. (Martin Barraud by way of Getty Images)

“However, the effect of all of these drugs on actual infected people is unknown due to the high fatality rate,” Lundstrom famous.

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Those who expertise sudden headache, fever, stiff neck or vomiting — particularly if they’ve just lately been swimming in heat freshwater — ought to search fast medical consideration, the CDC recommends.

Despite the an infection’s excessive fatality price, Lundstrom emphasised the rarity of circumstances. 

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“Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected,” she stated. 

“The best protection would be to avoid immersing your head when swimming in the summer.”