A child died from a rare brain-eating amoeba that he may have contracted while swimming in a river in Nebraska, according to local health officials. may have died.
"I can only imagine the devastation this family must be feeling," Douglas County Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsey Hughes said in a statement Wednesday about the deadly infection. ,reported by ABC."You can honor this child's memory by being educated about the risks and taking steps to prevent infection."
According to the Douglas County Health Department, His age has yet to be determined, but he died this week after falling ill after swimming in Nebraska's Elkhorn River last Sunday.
"Infections are very rare, but almost always fatal." Officials.
We are investigating whether it was caused by a specific parasite.If confirmed, it would be the first death in the state from Naegleria fowleri, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Naegleria fouleri invades a swimmer's nose, takes root in her brain, and infects it with primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.In fact,of her 154 documented cases , only 4 of her survived since the parasite was first identified in the 1960s.
Although found all over the world, these tiny monsters live primarily in warm, fresh water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs, where they are often left unattended. It can also appear in inaccessible pools. It cannot survive in salt water, spread from person to person, or infect people who drink contaminated water.
Naeglaria fowleri is more common in the southern United States, but Nebraska health officials warn that the amoeba has moved north in recent years as temperatures rise around the world.
"Cases are more frequent in southern states, but more recently in more northern states. '' said Dr. Matthew, an epidemiologist in Nebraska. Donahue said in a statement Wednesday, ABC reported.
In fact, a Missouri woman died last month after contracting an amoeba while swimming on an Iowa beach . In particular, swimmers can reduce the risk of infection by "limiting the opportunity for fresh water to enter the nose," Donahue says.
This, according to DHHS, is to avoid drinking when the water is hot and the water level is low, to keep your head above the water while swimming, and to clip your nose before submerging. Or it means plugging your nose manually.
The organization also warns people against "digging or stirring up the sediments at the bottom of lakes and rivers."
