The child was believed to have been exposed to Naegleria fowleri while swimming in the shallow waters of the Elkhorn River on Aug. 8, and symptoms began about five days later, county health director Lindsey Hughes said Thursday. said at a press conference.
The child was admitted to the hospital within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms and died days later, said Dr. Kari Nieman, a pediatric infectious disease physician and Douglas County medical adviser.
Naegleria fowleri is a common amoeba found in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, canals and ponds across the United States, said the Nebraska Department of Health.
“It can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that can occur when amoeba-laden water runs up the nose and reaches the brain,” the agency said. says. “Infections are very rare, but almost always fatal.”
The CDC conducted further tests this week to confirm the cause of the child’s death, according to the county health department.
Although the chances of contracting Naegleria fowleri are low, health experts say there are precautions to take when considering swimming in freshwater lakes and rivers.
“Millions of recreational water exposures occur each year, but zero to eight Naegleria fowleri infections are confirmed each year.
Donahue says the infection typically occurs in slow-moving, warm waters from July to September.
The Nebraska Department of Health urged caution when participating in warm freshwater activities during periods of prolonged high temperatures.
• Infection-related behaviors include jumping into water, submerging your head in water, or engaging in other water-related activities that cause water to rush up your nose. will be
• Swimmers can reduce risk by keeping their heads out of the water and using nose clips or covering their noses when entering the water. Swimmers should also avoid digging or stirring up sediment on the bottom of lakes and rivers.
• You cannot become infected by swimming in a properly cleaned, maintained and sanitized pool. Also, you can’t get infected by drinking contaminated water.
• Do not soak your head in hot springs or untreated hot water.
• Do not dig or stir sediments while participating in water-related activities in shallow warm freshwater bodies.
Source: www.cnn.com
