When you purchase through links on our site , we may earn an affiliate commission . Here ’s how it works .
A man in North Carolina pall from a uncommon " brain - eating " amoeba infection after float in a lake at a local water system park , according to news reports .
The 59 - class - old humans became inauspicious after visiting Fantasy Lake Water Park , a man - made lake in Cumberland County , on July 12 , according toThe New York Times .
Tissue infected with the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri.
The serviceman test cocksure forNaegleria fowleri , a single - celled organism that ’s by nature found in warm fresh water , such as lake and rivers , the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services ( NCDHH)said in a statement . In the U.S. , most transmission pass in southern state , particularly during the summer months after it has been hot for extend periods , which raises the water temperature , NCDHH enjoin . [ 5 Key Facts About Brain - Eating Amoeba ]
SwallowingNaegleria fowleriin water supply will not induce an contagion . But if urine containing this ameba goes up the nose , the organism can enterthe brainand be calamitous — the amoeba destroys brainiac tissue , which results in brain swelling and normally expiry , according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
Still , infections are passing rarified . From 1962 to 2018 , there were just 145 case ofNaegleria fowlerireported in the U.S. , agree to NCDHH . But the malady has a high human death rate — of the 145 cases , just 4 masses outlast .
Tissue infected with the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri.
" Our fellow feeling are with the family and loved ones , " epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said in the affirmation . " multitude should be mindful that this organism is present in quick freshwater lakes , rivers and hot springs across North Carolina , so be mindful as you swim or enjoy water sport . "
There is no speedy run forNaegleria fowleriin water — identifying the organism can take calendar week , fit in to the CDC . This intend that the great unwashed who go swimming in warm fresh water should assume that there is a low-down risk of contagion , the CDC says .
If you choose to go swimming in warm freshwater , you may endeavor to stave off having water go up your nozzle by holding your olfactory organ close , using nozzle snip or keeping your head above pee , the CDC pronounce . hoi polloi can also lower their risk by fend off swimming in warm fresh water during full stop of specially high water temperature and low weewee level , the NCDHH say .
In 2016 , an 18 - yr - old woman from Ohio died fromNaegleria fowleriafter going white - urine rafting at an out-of-door recreation nitty-gritty in North Carolina .
in the first place published onLive Science .
