Freshwater swimming and brain-eating amoebas: What you need to know

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Taking a refreshing dip in lakes, rivers, and streams is a quintessential summer activity. Unfortunately, for a small number of individuals, this leisurely pursuit can lead to an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, more commonly referred to as the brain-eating amoebas.

Within the United States, there have been reports of at least three deaths this year attributed to this infection. It typically occurs when the amoeba enters the nose while submerged in fresh water, often during swimming.

Naegleria fowleri has the potential to trigger a severe condition known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which results in the destruction of brain tissue, according to the CDC.

Out of the 157 individuals who have been documented as infected in the U.S. between 1962 and 2022, a mere four individuals managed to survive. This equates to a staggering death rate of over 97%.

In late July, a tragic incident unfolded as a 17-year-old Georgia girl named Morgan Ebenroth lost her life after contracting the infection while swimming in a lake with her friends.

Similarly, in July, the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) reported the unfortunate death of a 2-year-old boy. The child had contracted a brain-eating amoebas infection from a natural hot spring.

In the U.S., there have been at least three reported deaths this year from the brain-eating amoeba

In another instance, which took place in February, a man from Florida passed away after becoming infected while using tap water containing Naegleria fowleri to wash his face and rinse his sinuses.

Fox News Digital conversed with Tammy Lundstrom, who serves as the Chief Medical Officer and an infectious disease specialist at Trinity Health in Michigan. The discussion revolved around the risks associated with this infection and methods of prevention.

“The risk of encountering the brain-eating amoebas is exceedingly low,” Lundstrom emphasized. “Less than 10 individuals in the U.S. are infected each year. However, regrettably, the majority of these cases result in fatalities. Survivors of confirmed cases are extremely rare.”

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Hotspots of infection

The southern United States, renowned for its higher temperatures, has documented the most cases—totaling 157 from 1962 to 2022, as highlighted by Lundstrom.

Nearly half of these cases were reported in Texas and Florida, two states in the region known for their warm climates.

Lundstrom noted, “However, there have been a few exceptionally rare cases documented in northern states.”

The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, is exclusively found in freshwater, meaning that swimming in the ocean poses no risk, according to Lundstrom.

Naegleria fowleri flourishes in warm water environments and thrives best in temperatures reaching up to 115°F. Consequently, the months of July, August, and September are considered to carry the highest risk, as indicated on the CDC’s official website.

Some experts hold the belief that the phenomenon of climate change might lead to an increase in the frequency of Naegleria fowleri infections.

Warning signs to know

The first signs of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) usually appear five days after exposure, although they can be detected earlier.

In the early stages, common symptoms include headache, nausea, fever, and/or vomiting as described by the CDC.

As the infection progresses, individuals may experience symptoms such as confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, and eventually slip into a coma.

Lundström explains, “Individuals usually become ill within one to 12 days of exposure to the water. Because the symptoms of bacterial meningitis are also consistent, early symptoms prompt clinical assessment.”

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

Prevention of infection

According to Lundstrom, the most effective measure to prevent infection is to avoid submerging your head in the water while swimming.

“The infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters a person’s nostrils, usually while swimming,” she explained.

“It remains unclear why some people become infected while others, even those swimming nearby, remain unaffected.”

Lundström emphasized that ingesting contaminated water does not lead to infection and that person-to-person transmission does not occur.

Although a man was reported to have died this year after being exposed to Naegleria fowleri while using tap water to clean his face and clear his sinuses, Lundstrom assured that this is an unusual accident.

People may also use nose clips or hold their noses closed to reduce the risk of infection.

The CDC also advises avoiding disturbing sediments at the bottom of lakes, ponds, and rivers, given the presence of amoeba in soil.

Treatment of brain-eating amoebas

Once a patient is diagnosed with a brain-eating amoeba infection, a typical treatment regimen includes a variety of antifungal medications, including drugs such as rifampin and azithromycin, according to Lundstrom.

Miltefosine, a recent antifungal drug, has shown effectiveness in eradicating Naegleria fowleri in laboratory tests and was used to treat three patients who survived, according to the CDC on its website.

“However, due to the high mortality rate associated with this infection, the actual effectiveness of these medications in people with confirmed infections is uncertain,” Lundstrom noted.

People who experience sudden symptoms such as a severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, or vomiting—especially if they’ve recently swum in warm freshwater—are advised by the CDC to seek immediate medical attention.

Despite the infection’s high death rate, Lundstrom emphasized the rarity of cases.

“While millions of people indulge in summer swimming, only a few get infected,” she emphasized.

“The most effective preventive measure is to avoid submerging your head while swimming in the summer.”

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