Once in the nose, the Naegleria fowleri parasite (Naegleria fowleri) travels along the olfactory nerve to the brain and infects the brain tissue. At the same time, as doctors say, drinking water contaminated with bacteria is not dangerous. The main thing is that it does not hit the nose.
If this does happen, contact with the nasal mucosa leads to the development of an infection, which, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost always ends in death for the patient.
The state authorities have not yet released the name of the deceased patient, but it is known that the infection occurred at least a week before death.
The Florida Department of Health announced the discovery of the infection last Thursday, February 23, specifying that the infection most likely occurred “as a result of washing the sinuses” with tap water. Seven days later, on March 2, department spokesman Jay Williams confirmed that the patient had died.
He also assured that representatives of several US government agencies at once “continue to study the circumstances of this infection” – namely, “work with local utilities to identify any potential links and take the necessary actions.”
It is known that Naegleria Fowlera (which is informally called “the brain-eating amoeba”) lives in warm fresh water – in pools, lakes and ponds.
The bacterium is dangerous precisely if it enters the body through the nose, upon contact with the mucous membrane covered with olfactory receptors. If the amoeba enters the mouth, infection does not occur, since it is neutralized by stomach acid.
The official name for the disease caused by this single-celled microorganism is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
Symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, neck spasm, seizures, and/or hallucinations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of three patients are diagnosed with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis each year in the United States. The vast majority of cases end in death.
Between 1962 and 2021, out of 154 people diagnosed in the US, only four survived.
Statistics show that infection is extremely rare during the winter months. Which is understandable, given the fact that the bacterium lives in warm fresh water.
The main precaution recommended by doctors is to never rinse your nose with tap water. This is how infection occurs most often.
For washing the sinuses, only sterilized or distilled water is suitable.
Tap water can only be used for this purpose if it is first boiled for at least a minute and then cooled before use.
Just in case, it is also recommended to avoid getting water in the nose while swimming in the pool, as well as taking a bath or shower.
As a preventive measure, experts advise not to swim in fresh water in hot weather, and to use special nose clips when swimming in pools and water parks.
Negleria Fowler is a heat-loving organism. The bacterium feels most comfortable at a temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius, however, in general, it can withstand temperatures up to 46 degrees. In countries with a cold climate, it practically does not occur.
In Russia, cases of infection with amoebic meningoencephalitis have not been officially recorded. However, as scientists note, due to climate change, it is possible that the disease will gradually spread to colder regions.