Brain eating amoeba | Naegleria fowleri: South Korea reports first case of deadly brain-eating amoeba infection

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the infected individual in his 50s has died. The man had come back to Korea after a four month trip in Thailand. Although human to human transmission of the infection is not possible, the KDCA has advised people to avoid water activities in freshwater lakes and to take precautions when engaging in water sports. The agency has also advised people to use nose clips or hold their noses shut when participating in water activities to prevent water from entering through the nose.

PAM is a rare but often fatal infection that can occur when contaminated water enters the nose and travels to the brain. Symptoms typically appear within five days of infection and may include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, as well as a stiff neck, seizures, and altered mental state. In severe cases, the infection can lead to coma and death.

There is currently no specific treatment for PAM, and the infection can be difficult to diagnose due to the rarity of the amoeba and the lack of tailored diagnostic tests. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications to control inflammation and supportive care to address complications.

The KDCA said it is working to prevent further infections and has issued a warning to the public to take precautions when engaging in water-related activities. The agency has also recommended that people avoid water activities in warm, stagnant water bodies and to avoid water activities if they have any cuts or abrasions on their skin.

This is the first reported case of a
naegleria fowleri infection in South Korea. Though it is a rare disease and it is difficult to estimate the exact number of cases, there have been 143 reported cases in the United States from 1962 to 2018, with most occurring in the southern states. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are between 1,000 and 2,000 cases of the disease each year.

FAQs
What is
naegleria fowleri?

Naegleria fowleri is a type of amoeba (single-celled organism) that is commonly found in warm freshwater and soil. It can cause a rare and severe infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) when it enters the nose and travels to the brain.

How do you get infected with
naegleria fowleri?

Infection typically occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, often when people participate in water activities such as swimming, diving, or water sports. The amoeba can also be inhaled through the nose during activities such as sinus rinsing or nasal irrigation.