Yahoo News Brain-eating amoeba case found in Florida
A case of a rare, potentially deadly brain-eating amoeba has been confirmed in Florida, according to local health officials.
The Florida Department of Health on Friday announced that one person in Hillsborough County had contracted Naegleria fowleri - a microscopic single-celled amoeba that can infect the brain and is usually fatal.
The amoeba is typically found in warm freshwater sources such as lakes, ponds and rivers. It enters the body through the nose and cannot be passed from person to person.
"Adverse health effects on humans can be prevented by avoiding nasal contact with the waters, since the amoeba enters through nasal passages," the Florida Department of Health said.
One person contracted Naegleria fowleri in Hillsborough County. Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic single-celled living amoeba. The amoeba can cause a rare infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) that destroys brain tissue and is usually fatal. pic.twitter.com/icT66tqlkU
— DOH - Hillsborough (@DOHHillsborough)
The body also urged people to avoid nasal contact with water from taps and warned those who experience symptoms - including fever, nausea and vomiting, as well as a stiff neck and headaches - to "seek medical attention right away, as the disease progresses rapidly".
"Remember, this disease is rare and effective prevention strategies can allow for a safe and relaxing summer swim season," the DOH said.
Naegleria fowleri infections are more likely in the warmer summer months of July, August and September.
The confirmation of a case marks only the 37th recorded instance of the amoeba infecting someone in Florida since 1962. Nationwide, 143 cases have been recorded since then, of which all but four proved fatal.
Most people who become infected die within a week.
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