Doctors Warn Fewer Than 10 U.S. Cases of Brain-Eating Amoeba Can Turn Deadly
Updated
Updated · WLBT · Sep 1
Doctors Warn Fewer Than 10 U.S. Cases of Brain-Eating Amoeba Can Turn Deadly
3 articles · Updated · WLBT · Sep 1
Summary
Naegleria fowleri infects fewer than 10 people in the U.S. each year, but doctors say nearly every case is fatal once contaminated water is forced into the nose.
Tap water in neti pots or sinus rinses and freshwater activities such as diving or swimming in lakes, rivers, canals and ponds can push the amoeba into nasal passages, where it can reach the brain.
Fever, nausea, vomiting and a severe headache can appear first; doctors say stiff neck, confusion or altered mental status warrant emergency care.
Doctors urged people not to avoid swimming altogether because swallowing water does not cause infection, but to use distilled, sterile or boiled water for nasal rinses and take basic precautions.