The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

‘Brain-Eating Amoeba’

Posted on | July 26, 2019 | Comments Off on ‘Brain-Eating Amoeba’

Something else for hypochondriacs to worry about:

A North Carolina man has died after contracting an illness caused by a “brain-eating amoeba,” public health officials said.
Laboratory testing confirmed the man, identified by local media as Eddie Gray, was sickened by Naegleria fowleri after swimming at Fantasy Lake Water Park in Cumberland County earlier this month, according to officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Cumberland County Department of Public Health. Infections like Gray’s are rare but typically occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, according to the release.
“Our sympathies are with the family and loved ones,” said state epidemiologist Zack Moore. “People should be aware that this organism is present in warm freshwater lakes, rivers and hot springs across North Carolina, so be mindful as you swim or enjoy water sports.”

From the health department:

Naegleria fowleri, referred to as the brain-eating amoeba, does not cause illness if swallowed but can be fatal if forced up the nose, as can occur during diving, water-skiing or other water activities. . . .
Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri infection start with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and progress to stiff neck, seizures and coma.
Local health officials are working with the water park to provide guidance and education about the presence of Naegleria fowleri and how to take precautions when in natural bodies of freshwater.

The world has so many ways to kill us. It’s a miracle any of us survive.

 

Category: Science

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