Naegleria fowleri is a deadly brain-eating amoeba which is gradually advancing northwards from the southern United States due to climate change, says a recent report.
- So far, most of the cases were reported in the southern states. However, six were reported in the Midwest, including Minnesota, Kansas and Indiana. Of these six cases, five happened after 2010.
NAEGLERIA FOWLERI Important points
- According to the USCDC, Naegleria is an ameba (single-celled living organism) commonly found in warm freshwater (for example, lakes, rivers, and hot springs) and soil.
- Only one species (type) of Naegleria infects people: Naegleria fowleri.
- Naegleria fowleri infects people when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose. This typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. The Naegleria fowleri ameba then travels up the nose to the brain where it destroys the brain tissue.
- It causes staggering mind contamination known as essential amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which is all around lethal.
- Naegleria fowleri infection cannot be spread from one person to another.
(Source: US CDC)
