Georgia Resident Dies from Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba, Health Officials Confirm

A resident of Georgia has succumbed to a rare and deadly infection known as “Naegleria fowleri,” according to the state’s health department. The individual is believed to have contracted the infection while swimming in a freshwater lake or pond in Georgia, officials reported. Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that destroys brain tissue, resulting in brain swelling and, in most cases, death. It typically inhabits soil and warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs. Saltwater and properly treated drinking water and swimming pools are not sources of the amoeba.

The health department did not disclose the specific location where the victim was infected, and no further details about the individual have been released. This is the sixth reported case of Naegleria fowleri infection in Georgia since 1962.

Transmission of the infection occurs when water containing the amoeba enters a person’s nasal passage. Swallowing water does not lead to infection, nor is the infection transmissible from person to person. Given the naturally occurring nature of the amoeba, routine environmental testing for Naegleria fowleri in bodies of water is not feasible. Additionally, levels of the amoeba in a body of water can vary over time, making it difficult to control its presence.

Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection include severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and progression to a stiff neck, seizures, and coma. Death can occur within as little as five days after symptoms appear, making early detection vital. Symptoms typically manifest within five days of infection but can present anywhere from 1 to 12 days post-exposure.

To mitigate the risk of infection, individuals who choose to swim are advised to limit the amount of water that enters their nose. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends refraining from jumping or diving into bodies of fresh water, as well as keeping the nose shut and the head above water.

It is important to emphasize that Naegleria fowleri infections are exceedingly rare, and preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of exposure. By fostering awareness and taking necessary precautions, individuals can continue to enjoy recreational activities in freshwater environments while safeguarding their health.

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