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A Missouri resident is currently hospitalized in intensive care, battling a rare and severe brain infection caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, sometimes referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba.” The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) confirmed the case on Wednesday.
While the exact source of infection remains unconfirmed, health officials report the individual may have been water-skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks in the days prior to falling ill. No other suspected cases have been reported in the area.
The DHSS emphasizes that while Naegleria fowleri is present in many warm freshwater sources across the U.S., infection is extremely rare. This amoeba typically enters the body through the nose during water activities. The risk of infection is highest during the warmest months (July-September) when water temperatures exceed 77°F.
Early symptoms of PAM, the illness caused by the amoeba, often resemble those of bacterial meningitis, appearing one to twelve days after exposure. These symptoms can include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
As the infection progresses, more severe symptoms such as stiff neck, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures can develop. Rapid deterioration is common, and the infection is often fatal within one to eighteen days.
Health officials advise taking precautions when swimming in warm freshwater. Holding your nose, using nose clips, or keeping your head above water, especially when diving or jumping in, can significantly reduce risk.
It’s important to note that drinking contaminated water does not cause infection, nor does the infection spread from person to person. Disturbing sediment at the bottom of lakes and rivers should also be avoided, as the amoeba can reside in the soil.
While treatments involving antifungal medications and antibiotics exist, their effectiveness remains uncertain due to the infection’s high fatality rate. Anyone who experiences symptoms like sudden headache, fever, stiff neck, or vomiting after swimming in warm freshwater should seek immediate medical care.
Despite the severity of this infection, it remains exceptionally rare. Millions of people swim in freshwater every summer, and only a handful of cases are reported each year.