Brain-eating warning: Deadly amoeba infection in Florida detected
Brain-eating warning: Deadly amoeba infection in Florida detected, A brain-eating warning in Florida has been issued. Officials with the Department of Health notified the public of a rare and potentially deadly infection caused by the amoeba parasite after a 12-year-old LaBelle boy fell ill last week, citing an August 15 CNN top news report.
Last Saturday, seventh grader, Zachary Reyna, was playing outside in a ditch by his home when he contracted the brain-eating Florida infection officials believe.
Family members noticed that the young boy was sleeping long hours, which was "unusual" for the active middle school student.
He was later checked out by a doctor, who made the diagnosis. Accordingly, officials in Florida to issue a statewide brain-eating warning.
Reportedly, the Naegleria fowleri amoeba is behind the confirmed case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in Glades County. The warm weather is to blame as it thrives in high temperatures and lurks in lakes and ponds. Sadly, this type of brain-eating infection has a high mortality rate as there is no cure.
"This infection is one of the most severe infections that we know of," Dr. Dirk Haselow of the Arkansas Department of Health told CNN affiliate WMC-TV about Kali's case. "Ninety-nine percent of people who get it die."
Currently, the young boy is being treated at Miami Children's Hospital. However, it is worth pointing out that since 2003, 31 cases of the brain-eating disease have been recorded. Of those, only three have survived.
According to the CDC's website, the symptoms of PAM began about one to seven days after infection with the parasitic amoeba. Essentially, the person feels sick as if they have flu-like symptoms. However, the classic sign of the meningitis condition is the presentation of a stiff neck.
As the site reads:
"Later symptoms include confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations. After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days.
The CDC approved the use of an experimental drug that was used to improve an Arkansas girl's chances of survival from her recent amoeba infection.
Last Saturday, seventh grader, Zachary Reyna, was playing outside in a ditch by his home when he contracted the brain-eating Florida infection officials believe.
Family members noticed that the young boy was sleeping long hours, which was "unusual" for the active middle school student.
He was later checked out by a doctor, who made the diagnosis. Accordingly, officials in Florida to issue a statewide brain-eating warning.
Reportedly, the Naegleria fowleri amoeba is behind the confirmed case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in Glades County. The warm weather is to blame as it thrives in high temperatures and lurks in lakes and ponds. Sadly, this type of brain-eating infection has a high mortality rate as there is no cure.
"This infection is one of the most severe infections that we know of," Dr. Dirk Haselow of the Arkansas Department of Health told CNN affiliate WMC-TV about Kali's case. "Ninety-nine percent of people who get it die."
Currently, the young boy is being treated at Miami Children's Hospital. However, it is worth pointing out that since 2003, 31 cases of the brain-eating disease have been recorded. Of those, only three have survived.
According to the CDC's website, the symptoms of PAM began about one to seven days after infection with the parasitic amoeba. Essentially, the person feels sick as if they have flu-like symptoms. However, the classic sign of the meningitis condition is the presentation of a stiff neck.
As the site reads:
"Later symptoms include confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations. After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days.
The CDC approved the use of an experimental drug that was used to improve an Arkansas girl's chances of survival from her recent amoeba infection.
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