Missouri resident diagnosed with brain-eating amoeba after water skiing, officials believe
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MODHSS) said in a news release on Aug. 13 that the individual, an adult, has been infected with Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba.
Naegleria fowleri is a type of amoeba that can cause a rare, but nearly always fatal brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Typically, fewer than 10 people a year get PAM in the United States, according to the CDC. Last month, a 12-year-old boy died from a PAM infection in South Carolina.
Dangerous waters: What to know about the flesh-eating bacteria and brain-eating amoebas
Individual may have gotten sick after water skiing, officials say
The Missouri resident is currently being treated in an intensive care unit. There are no additional suspected cases of PAM currently being investigated in the state, MODHSS said.
Public health officials are investigating the source of the patient's exposure. However, based on preliminary information, officials believe the patient may have been water skiing at the Lake of the Ozarks days prior to getting sick, MODHSS said.
'Unimaginable': Family speaks out after 12-year-old dies of brain-eating amoeba
What is Naegleria fowleri? Why it's called brain-eating amoeba
Naegleria fowleri is a type of amoeba that thrives in warm freshwater lakes, rivers and hot springs, according to the CDC.
It can also be found in poorly maintained swimming pools, splash pads and tap water, the CDC says.
PAM, the infection caused by the amoeba, destroys brain tissue, which is why it is often referred to as brain-eating amoeba.
Brain infections caused by Naegleria fowleri are very rare, though when they do happen, they are almost always fatal, according to the CDC.
How to protect against brain-eating amoeba
The CDC recommends the following measures to protect against brain-eating amoeba:
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
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