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Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/...illnesses-in-oklahoma-what-could-the-cause-be
'Brain-eating' amoeba ruled out in 'cluster of illnesses' in Oklahoma. What could the cause be?
By Sarah Moore
published 1 day ago
Oklahoma's state health department is investigating a cluster of illnesses in people who swam in local lakes and rivers. The cause remains unknown, but a dangerous brain-eating amoeba has been ruled out.
State and federal health officials are investigating the cause of a "cluster of illnesses" in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Early analyses have ruled out the freshwater-residing "brain-eating amoeba" Naegleria fowleri, known for causing a rare but nearly always fatal brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), as a potential cause, Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) officials told Live Science in an emailed statement.
"What we know at this time is a few individuals have presented to healthcare providers with varying symptoms," and tests for PAM caused by N. fowleri have been negative, the statement reads. The OSDH is currently investigating the reports and working alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct further tests.
The OSDH statement does not provide more information about the cases, but according to FOX 23, several affected individuals reportedly got sick after swimming in Copan Lake or the Caney River, and at least one child is reportedly being treated in the hospital for suspected bacterial meningitis.
The OSDH has advised residents that public drinking water is safe and that it is tested daily to ensure federal and state quality standards are met...
'Brain-eating' amoeba ruled out in 'cluster of illnesses' in Oklahoma. What could the cause be?
By Sarah Moore
published 1 day ago
Oklahoma's state health department is investigating a cluster of illnesses in people who swam in local lakes and rivers. The cause remains unknown, but a dangerous brain-eating amoeba has been ruled out.
State and federal health officials are investigating the cause of a "cluster of illnesses" in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Early analyses have ruled out the freshwater-residing "brain-eating amoeba" Naegleria fowleri, known for causing a rare but nearly always fatal brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), as a potential cause, Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) officials told Live Science in an emailed statement.
"What we know at this time is a few individuals have presented to healthcare providers with varying symptoms," and tests for PAM caused by N. fowleri have been negative, the statement reads. The OSDH is currently investigating the reports and working alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct further tests.
The OSDH statement does not provide more information about the cases, but according to FOX 23, several affected individuals reportedly got sick after swimming in Copan Lake or the Caney River, and at least one child is reportedly being treated in the hospital for suspected bacterial meningitis.
The OSDH has advised residents that public drinking water is safe and that it is tested daily to ensure federal and state quality standards are met...