Naegleria fowleri death reported in Slovakia
Officials in Slovakia report the death of an 11-year-old boy from the Záhorie region due to a rare infection with the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, according to a media report.
He was hospitalized last weekend at the National Institute of Children’s Diseases (NÚDCH) in Bratislava, where he eventually died from the lethal amoeba.
Read more: https://spectator.sme.sk/politics-and-society/c/rare-brain-eating-amoeba-kills-child-in-slovakia
Authorities suspect the boy may have contracted the infection during a swimming course at the Vadaš Thermal Resort in Štúrovo earlier this month. This prompted public health authorities to close the facility and start an investigation. No other cases linked to the resort have been reported
Testing of the water reportedly showed no parasite contamination, but full results are expected by June 20.
Authorities reiterated that public swimming pools in Slovakia are generally considered safe due to regular chlorination and water monitoring. Still, as a precautionary measure, enhanced testing of pool facilities will continue throughout the summer season.
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba which is a single-celled living organism. It can cause a rare and devastating infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals.
Infections can happen when contaminated water enters the body through the nose. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it travels to the brain where it causes PAM (which destroys brain tissue) and is usually fatal. Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.
Naegleria fowleri infections are rare. Most infections occur from exposure to contaminated recreational water. Cases due to the use of neti pots and the practice of ablution have been documented.
You cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking contaminated water and the amoeba is not found in salt water.
Initial symptoms of PAM usually start within 1 to 7 days after infection. The initial symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Other symptoms can include stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and is nearly always fatal.