The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, United States, announced that a man died after becoming infected with a strange brain-eating amoeba, known as Naegleria fowleriby its scientific name.
According to the first reports, the man, whose identity is unknown, became infected by washing his nose with direct tap water. The authorities have already alerted the population and are conducting an epidemiological investigation to prevent further cases.
The Florida Department of Health issued a statement stating that the infection occurred because the tap water was contaminated with amoebas. Naegleria fowleri, which is why residents have been asked to use distilled or sterile water for use and consumption.
There is an ongoing epidemiological investigation to understand the unique circumstances of this infection. I can confirm that the infection unfortunately resulted in death, and any additional information regarding this case is kept confidential to protect the privacy of the patient.
– Jae Williams, Press Secretary, Florida Department of Health
The Naegleria fowleri, Better known as the brain-eating amoeba, it can be found in soil and warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs, and can cause brain infections (hence its name). The symptoms of the infection are: headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations and coma. The infection is usually treated with a combination of antibiotics, antimicrobials, and the corticosteroid dexamethasone. However, in most cases there is usually a fatal outcome.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these types of infections are more common than it seems, since in the United States there are three to six cases per year.