Person infected by ‘brain-eating’ amoeba in Hillsborough County in Florida

An amoeba that destroys brain tissue has been confirmed in an unidentified person in Florida.

The Hillsborough County Department of Health announced the infection Friday. 

The infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba” 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.

More: Why the ‘brain-eating’ amoeba found in freshwater lakes – while rare – is so deadly

Commonly found in warm freshwater — such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals — the amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain.

Infections usually occur when temperatures increase for prolonged periods, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.

The peak season for the amoeba is July through September.

More: Read the entire announcement from Florida Department of Health

Infections are rare, but usually fatal

Naegleria fowleri infections are rare but are almost always fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control. From 2009 to 2018, 34 infections were reported in the U.S.

Of those cases, 30 people were infected by recreational water, three people were infected after performing nasal irrigation using contaminated tap water and one person was infected by contaminated tap water used on a backyard slip-n-slide.

More: South Florida swimmer contracts brain-eating amoeba

There have been 37 reported cases in Florida since 1962, according to the Florida Department of Health. 

Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri

Initial symptoms of PAM start about five days (range 1 to 9 days) after infection, according to the CDC.

The initial symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Later symptoms can include stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations.

More: 10-year-old girl dies of brain-eating amoeba contracted from Texas river

After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about five days (range 1 to 12 days).

How to limit possibility of infection

Naegleria fowleri infects people when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose.

Infection is rare and typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, such lakes and rivers, according to FDOH and the CDC.

More: Be informed and safe if using a neti pot

Very rarely, infections have been reported when people submerge their heads or get water up their nose, cleanse their noses during religious practices, or irrigate their sinuses (nose) using contaminated tap or faucet water.

Naegleria fowleri can grow in pipes, hot water heaters, and water systems, including treated public drinking water systems.

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