Naegleria Fowleri Symptoms: A Closer Look at This Rare and Deadly Brain Infection
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba that can cause a rare and deadly brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). PAM is typically fatal, with only four known survivors in the United States.
What is Naegleria fowleri?
Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism that lives in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and even swimming pools. It can also be found in soil and dust. The amoeba enters the body through the nose when people swim or dive in contaminated water. Once inside the nose, the amoeba travels to the brain, where it can cause an infection.
Symptoms of PAM
The symptoms of PAM usually start within 5 days of infection, but they can start within 1 to 12 days. The initial symptoms are often similar to those of bacterial meningitis and may include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
As the infection progresses, other symptoms may develop, including:
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Lack of attention to people and surroundings
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Coma
Diagnosis of PAM
PAM is difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms are often similar to other infections. However, a diagnosis can be made by testing for the presence of Naegleria fowleri in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Treatment for PAM
There is no cure for PAM, but treatment with a combination of drugs may help to slow the progression of the infection. The drugs that are typically used include amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
Prevention of PAM
The best way to prevent PAM is to avoid swimming in warm freshwater bodies that are known to be contaminated with Naegleria fowleri. You can also reduce your risk of infection by:
- Avoiding swimming in hot springs or other warm freshwater bodies during the summer months.
- Wearing nose clips when swimming in freshwater bodies.
- Rinsing your nose with clean water after swimming.
Additional information about Naegleria fowleri and PAM:
- PAM is most common in the southern United States, but it has been reported in all 50 states.
- The amoeba is most active in warm water, so the risk of infection is highest during the summer months.
- There have been only four known survivors of PAM in the United States.
- Naegleria fowleri is a heat-loving amoeba, and it thrives in water that is at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why PAM is most common during the summer months when water temperatures are warmer.
- The amoeba enters the body through the nose when people swim or dive in contaminated water. Once inside the nose, the amoeba travels to the brain, where it can cause an infection. The amoeba is attracted to the olfactory nerves, which are the nerves that carry smell information from the nose to the brain.
- PAM is a very serious infection, and it can progress very quickly. Symptoms typically start within 5 days of infection, but they can start within 1 to 12 days. If left untreated, PAM is almost always fatal.
- There is no cure for PAM, but treatment with a combination of drugs may help to slow the progression of the infection. The drugs that are typically used include amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
Conclusion
PAM is a rare but serious infection that can be fatal. If you experience any of the symptoms of PAM, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. There is no cure for PAM, but treatment with a combination of drugs may help to slow the progression of the infection.
If you have any questions or concerns about Naegleria fowleri or PAM, please talk to your doctor.
