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Authorities are recognizing a national increase in Naegleria (pronounced (nuh-GLEER-e-uh), which is a free-living ameba that can enter victims through the nose, travel to the brain and spinal cord, cause inflammation and kill them. The ameba is usually acquired during water-related activities such as swimming underwater, diving, or participating in other sports where water goes up the nose. According to the Associated Press, a 14-year-old boy died from such ameba in late September, 2007, after swimming in Arizona’s Lake Havasu, which is near the borders of California and Nevada. Naegleria is common in water and soil worldwide, but only one species of it is known to infect humans: Naegleria fowleri. Fortunately, infection is extremely rare. Only 23 infections were documented in the U.S. between 1995 and 2004. In the last year, however, six people have died from Naegleria fowleri, the Associated Press reports. The ameba can be found in: Soil Warm bodies of freshwater, such as lakes and rivers Poorly-maintained and minimally-chlorinated swimming pools Geothermal water such as hot springs Warm water discharge from industrial plants Infection is most common in warm, shallow water during dry, hot months. The infections increase during heat waves, which leads many experts to expect a hike in Naegleria in the future if global temperatures rise. The first signs of illness start between one and 14 days after infection. Symptoms include fever, headaches, nausea and a stiff neck. As the amebae continues to destroy brain tissue, the victim may be confused, have seizures and suffer from hallucinations and loss of balance. The illness progresses quickly and usually kills the patient within three to seven days after the symptoms appear. Some drugs work against Naegleria in the laboratory, but when used on infected patients, the drug results are unclear. The illness is usually fatal. If someone has two or more symptoms and has reason to think they may have been infected, they should seek medical care immediately. One way to minimize contact with the ameba is to stay out of areas that are prone to it, and to keep the nose plugged. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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