Medics have confirmed a rare case of a brain-destroying amoeba in Florida.
Florida Department of Health declared on Friday a confirmed case of Naegleria fowleri — a microscopic single-celled amoeba which according to them can infect and destroy the brain.
“It’s fatal in nature”, the Department of Health noted.
Dating from 1962, there have only been 37 reported cases of the amoeba in Florida.
The foregoing was discovered in Hillsborough County, though the DOH did not give any further details.
The amoeba is typically found in warm freshwater like lakes, rivers and ponds.
The Health Department has issued a cautioned statement to people who swim in those freshwater sources to be aware of the amoeba’s possible presence, especially when the water is warm.
“Adverse health effects on humans can be prevented by avoiding nasal contact with the waters, since the amoeba enters through nasal passages,” health officials said.
The DOH recommended people avoid bodies of warm freshwater around power plants and shallow fresh water during periods of high water temperature.
They should pinch their nose when playing in warm freshwater.
Source; CNN
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