Rare Amoeba Infection Reported in Missouri
A resident of Missouri has been diagnosed with a rare infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba, potentially linked to water-skiing activities at the Lake of Ozarks. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) confirmed the case on Wednesday.
The unnamed individual is currently receiving treatment in an intensive care unit for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a serious condition caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. So far, no additional cases have been reported in the area.
Although the exact source of the infection has not been determined, health officials believe the individual may have gone water-skiing shortly before falling ill. The DHSS stated that recreational water users should be aware that Naegleria fowleri can be found in warm freshwater across the U.S., but infections are very rare.
This amoeba poses a risk particularly in freshwater environments where it can enter the body through the nose. Health officials note that Naegleria fowleri is most active during the warmer months, especially from July to September when water temperatures exceed 77°F.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Signs of PAM usually start to show about five days after exposure, though they can appear even sooner. Initial symptoms include headache, nausea, fever, and vomiting. As the sickness progresses, symptoms can worsen to confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, and even coma. It’s crucial to seek medical help quickly if these symptoms occur after swimming in warm freshwater.
Tammy Lundstrom, an infectious disease specialist, emphasized that symptoms usually develop one to 12 days after exposure. Early signs can mimic those of bacterial meningitis, making it important to visit a healthcare professional right away.
Preventing Infections
To reduce the risk of infection while swimming, health officials recommend taking precautions in warm freshwater environments. Suggestions include keeping your head above water, using nose clips, or holding your nose shut to prevent water from entering during activities like diving or jumping.
Lundstrom advises that bacteria can live in soil, so it’s wise to avoid disturbing sediment in lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Treatment Options
For those diagnosed with infections caused by Naegleria fowleri, treatment typically includes antifungal medications, along with antibiotics such as rifampin and azithromycin. A newer medication called miltefosine has also shown promise in lab tests for eliminating the amoeba. However, the effectiveness of these treatments in actual infections is still uncertain due to the high fatality rate of this disease.
If anyone experiences sudden headaches, fever, stiff neck, or vomiting—especially after recent swimming—it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.
Though the infection is dangerous and can be fatal, Lundstrom highlights that such cases are exceedingly rare, reassuring that millions of people enjoy summer water activities without issue.
