Weekly Medical Tips

A brain eating bacteria has been lurking in our fresh water swimming holes for years and this week has been the only time that it has been brought to the public's attention. In 2007, the bacteria killed 6 boys and a young man. The heat increases the growth of the bacteria. The bacteria is called Naegleria fowleri and has killed 23 people in the United States, from 1995 to 2004. More reports  of deaths from this bacteria have recently been reported. The bacteria killed three people this summer, a 16- year-old girl, 9 year-old boy and a 20 year old. All living in different places, one in Florida, Virginia and Louisiana. The  bacteria thrives in warm water and can be found in lakes, rivers  hot springs and soil. The bacteria enters the nose and goes to the brain and that is where it eats the brain away. It will kill the victim within 2 weeks. Prevention is to stay out of fresh water swimming areas or wear a nose plug. Naegleria is microscopic amoebas found in the bottom of lakes and in the mud and temperatures that reach 80 degrees F. Symptoms: headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and halluncinations. 

msnbc.com. (September 28, 2007). 6 die from brain-eating amoeba after swimming. Retrieved August 19 2011, from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21034344/ns/health-infectious_diseases/t/die-brain-eating-amoeba-after-swimming/#.Tk8MDeFBvfI

Gehibach S. ( June, 2011). Health officials warn of amoeba, bacteria dangers. my fox Orlando. Retrieved August , 19. 2011, from   http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/health/061511-health-officials-warn-of-amoeba-dangers

Viegas, J. (August 18, 2011). Brain-Eating Amoeba Thrives In Warm, Fresh Water. DiscoveryNews.  Retrieved August 19, 2011, from http://news.discovery.com/human/brain-eating-amoeba-110818.html