KOMPAS.com – Case infection brain a rare brain-eating amoeba found in Florida. This was stated by health officials in the United States.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) said one person in Hillsborough County was infected Naegleria fowleri, single-celled amoeba that is microscopic and can cause it brain infection. Infection Naegleria fowleri usually fatal.
Amoeba is usually found in warm, fresh water, and enters the body through the nose.
DOH did not explain further how the infection contracted or how the patient’s condition was. But they made sure that Ameba couldn’t move from one person to another.
Also read: Corona Virus, What is the Impact of Covid-19 for the Human Brain?
Infection usually occurs in the southern states of the United States. But that rarely happens in Florida, which has only recorded 37 case reports since 1962.
However, due to the potential fatal consequences of the infection, DOH issued a warning to residents of Hillsborough County on 3 July.
Health officials urge local residents to avoid nose contact with water from taps or other water sources.
That includes open water such as lakes, rivers, ponds or canals, where infections are likely to occur in warm summers in July, August and September.
Those infected with Naegleria fowleri will experience a number of symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting, as well as a stiff neck and dizziness. Some of them died within a matter of weeks.
DOH urges people who experience similar symptoms to “seek medical attention as soon as possible, as the disease develops rapidly”.
“Remember, this disease is rare and effective preventive strategies can result in a relaxed and safe summer,” DOH said.
Also read: Experience Brain Disease, This Man Cannot Recognize Numbers 2 to 9, How come?
Naegleria fowleri infection is very rare in the US according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Between 2009 and 2018, only 34 infections were reported in the country.
Of all cases, 30 people were infected when they traveled in summer water, four others were infected from contaminated tap water.
–