Current FluTrackers threads: Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)

[Laidback Al]

Current FluTrackers threads for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)

Naegleria is a microscopic ameba (single-celled living organism) that can cause a very rare, but severe, infection of the brain. The ameba is commonly found in warm freshwater (for example, lakes, rivers, and hot springs) and soil. Only one species (type) of Naegleria infects people: Naegleria fowleri.
Naegleria fowleri infects people by entering the body through the nose. This typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater places, like lakes and rivers. In very rare instances, Naegleria infections may also occur when contaminated water from other sources (such as inadequately chlorinated swimming pool water or heated tap water <47?C) enters the nose. Once the ameba enters the brain, it causes a usually fatal infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/


Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Caused by Naegleria fowleri, Karachi, Pakistan (13 cases - washing with tap water suspected as cause)

Fatal case of Naegleria fowleri infection reported from Central VA

Amoeba blamed for swimming death in Florida

Amoeba parasite causes second death in the US (Thaindian, August 17 2011) **Count of deaths in US is now at 3