Missouri resident tests positive for brain-infecting amoeba
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is reporting a Missouri resident has a laboratory-confirmed infection of Naegleria fowleri, a brain-infecting amoeba.
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic single-celled free-living amoeba that can cause a rare life-threatening infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The Missouri patient is currently being treated in an intensive care unit of a hospital.
The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwaters such as lakes, rivers, and ponds; however, PAM is extremely rare. Since 1962, only 154 known cases have been identified in the United States. The only other case identified among a Missouri resident occurred in 1987, and currently, no additional suspected cases of PAM are being investigated in Missouri.
The source of the patient’s exposure is currently being investigated by public health officials. Local and out-of-state activities are being considered. Recreational water users should assume that Naegleria fowleri is present in warm freshwater across the United States; however, infection remains rare.
“These situations are extremely rare in the United States and in Missouri specifically, but it’s important for people to know that the infection is a possibility so they can seek medical care in a timely manner if related symptoms present,” said Dr. George Turabelidze, Missouri’s state epidemiologist in a release.
