Florida Health Officials Warn Residents After Confirming One Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection

The species is said to cause a rare brain illness known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis, that destroys brain tissue, causing brain swelling and death. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has registered 34 PAM infections in the country between 2009-2018. Florida has seen 37 cases since 1962.

The Florida Department of Health (DoH) announced on Friday that it had registered a case of infection by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic single-celled amoeba that causes a brain infection known as ‘primary amebic meningoencephalitis’ (PAM), in Hillsborough County.

The department said that the amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals, noting that the infection usually occurs when contaminated water enters someone’s body through the nose. The amoeba then travels to the brain where it causes PAM.

According to the CDC, Naegleria fowleri does not cause an infection if contaminated water is consumed by mouth. In addition, a PAM infection cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

The department issued a caution to Florida residents about the possible presence of the brain-eating amoeba, calling to “avoid nasal contact with the waters” when swimming and diving in Florida’s lakes, rivers and ponds during the summer.

According to the CDC, the United States has registered 34 PAM infections over the period from 2009 to 2018.

Sourse: sputniknews.com