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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Man goes water-skiing and days later discovers something is ‘eating' his brain
The man was rushed to intensive care after developing a rare condition that only seven people have survived just days after the had been water-skiing on a lake A man discovered he had been infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba just days after going water-skiing. He has now been rushed into intensive care and is being t reated for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The deadly infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri. The amoeba is found in warm and freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained swimming pools. It is thought the man, who has not been identified, became infected by the amoeba after water-skiing in the Lake of Ozarks central Missouri. Fox News reports that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) confirmed the infection on Wednesday. The DHSS says the source of the infection is unknown but explained the man had been water-skiing days before the discovery. No other cases have been reported. Between 1962 and 2024 there were 167 cases of PAM reported across the United States. It is thought that the amoeba enters the body through the nose. The DHSS explained: 'Although a rare occurrence, people become infected by Naegleria fowleri when water containing the amoeba enters the body through the nose from freshwater sources. 'The Naegleria fowleri amoeba then travels up the nose to the brain where it damages the brain tissue. This infection cannot be spread from one person to another, and it cannot be contracted by swallowing contaminated water.' The amoeba is said to be the most active in July, August and September, health officials explained. It thrives in water that is warmer than 25C. The initial signs of PAM are said to start showing around five days after exposure. Early warning signs include a headache, fever and possibly vomiting. When the infection progresses people often experience confusion, a stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures and a coma. Death can occur at any point up to 18 days, with most living just five. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Naegleria fowleri can be treated with anti-fungal medicines. Although tests are said to have been performed in laboratory conditions and not on actual patients. The DHSS however says there are ways to prevent infection. These include holding your nose or keeping your nose above water when taking part in freshwater activities. People can also avoid putting their head under water in freshwater and avoid digging up sediment. Naegleria fowleri amoebas are said to live in sediment at the bottom of ponds. According to the CDC there have been rare instances of people becoming infected with PAM from splash pads and surf parks that did not have enough chlorine in the water. The infection does not occur from swallowing the water, officials say. A study in 2021 found there had been 381 cases of PAM identified up to 2018. A majority of those infected were male and only seven people survived the condition.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Health
- Fox News
Person infected with brain-eating amoeba after water-skiing, health officials say
Print Close By Melissa Rudy Published August 14, 2025 A Missouri resident has been infected with a rare brain-eating amoeba, possibly linked to water-skiing in the Lake of Ozarks. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) confirmed the infection on Wednesday. The unidentified adult is hospitalized in an intensive care unit and being treated for primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a deadly infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. DEATH CONFIRMED FROM RARE AND DEADLY 'BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA' IN SOUTHERN LAKE No other cases are suspected in the area at this time, the health agency stated in the press release. While the source of the patient's exposure has not been confirmed, the DHSS reported that the patient may have been water-skiing in the days leading up to the illness. "Recreational water users should assume that Naegleria fowleri is present in warm freshwater across the United States; however, infection remains very rare," the agency stated. Naegleria fowleri can be a risk when swimming in fresh water, as the amoeba can enter through the nose. FOUR PEOPLE DEAD IN FLORIDA FROM FLESH-EATING BACTERIA FOUND IN COASTAL WATERS The amoeba is most active in the months that the water temperature stays above 77F – July, August and September, according to health officials. Infection in humans is very rare, with only 167 reported cases of PAM in the U.S. between 1962 and 2024. Warning signs to recognize The initial symptoms of PAM usually begin about five days after exposure, but they can be noticed sooner. Early signs usually include headache , nausea, fever and/or vomiting, the CDC's website states. As the infection progresses, people may experience confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures and coma. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "People usually start to feel ill one to 12 days after water exposure," Tammy Lundstrom, chief medical officer and infectious disease specialist for Trinity Health in Michigan, previously told Fox News Digital. "Early symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, as they are also signs of bacterial meningitis ." Death can occur anywhere between one and 18 days of infection, at an average of five days. Prevention of infection To prevent potentially fatal infections, health officials recommended taking precautions when swimming in freshwater. "Hold your nose shut, use nose clips or keep your head above water when taking part in activities in bodies of warm freshwater, especially if you jump or dive into the water," the Missouri health officials cautioned. Lundstrom reiterated that it's best to avoid immersing your head in the water when swimming in summer. "Infection occurs when water harboring the amoeba goes up a person's nose, usually during swimming," she previously told Fox News Digital. "It is not known why some people get infected and others, even swimming companions, do not." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Drinking contaminated water does not present a risk, and the infection does not spread from one person to another, Lundstrom added. Because the amoeba is found in soil, the CDC also recommends avoiding stirring up the sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers. Treatment of brain-eating amoebas When a patient has been diagnosed with a brain-eating amoeba, treatment usually includes a variety of antifungal medications , as well as antibiotics like rifampin and azithromycin, according to Lundstrom. Miltefosine, a newer antifungal drug, has been shown to kill Nagleria fowleri in laboratory tests and was used to treat some surviving patients, the CDC states on its website. "Infection occurs when water harboring the amoeba goes up a person's nose." "However, the effect of all of these drugs on actual infected people is unknown due to the high fatality rate," Lundstrom noted. Those who experience sudden headache, fever, stiff neck or vomiting — especially if they have recently been swimming in warm freshwater — should seek immediate medical attention , the CDC recommends. For more Health articles, visit Despite the infection's high fatality rate, Lundstrom emphasized the rarity of cases. "Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected," she said. Print Close URL
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nearly 20 new measles cases confirmed in Kansas amid outbreak; no new cases in Missouri
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A measles outbreak continues to plague Kansans, with more than a dozen new cases across the state. As of Wednesday, May 14, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is reporting 56 confirmed cases of measles across the state; 54 cases are associated with an ongoing outbreak in southwest Kansas. The US has 1,001 measles cases and 11 states with active outbreaks As of April 23, there were 37 cases in the state. Three weeks later, there are nearly 20 new cases of measles in Kansas. 'Most cases continue to present among unvaccinated children,' the KDHE said on its website. 'Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area in Kansas and in surrounding counties, especially among those that are unvaccinated. As summer travel season begins, we will likely see additional imported cases among Kansans travelling within the United States and internationally.' Measles cases have been confirmed in 10 Kansas counties: Finney Ford Grant Gray Haskell Kiowa Morton Reno Sedgwick Stevens Gray County has 21 measles cases – the highest number of cases in the state. Haskell and Stevens counties are next in line, with 8 and 7 cases, respectively. For more information and the latest updates, click here. In Missouri, there are two confirmed cases of measles. FOX4 reached out to state health officials who confirmed that there have been no new measles cases in Missouri. The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced its second confirmed case one week ago after an adult was diagnosed with measles in New Madrid County. 'There is no indication of widespread public exposure,' the DHSS said in its news release. 'Exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts are being identified and contacted.' Missouri has second confirmed measles case, health officials say Missouri is not one of the 11 states with active outbreaks. Kansas, however, is in the midst of an outbreak. The department said the case in New Madrid County is not linked to the prior case or prior exposures reported in Missouri. A DHSS spokesperson confirmed that there are only two measles cases in Missouri – not to be confused with an out-of-state case in Illinois. However, the Illinois resident may have exposed others in Missouri after visiting the St. Louis Aquarium on Wednesday, April 30, as well as a nearby restaurant, according to St. Louis officials. Stay with FOX4 for the latest updates on this and other breaking news. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Third case of measles confirmed in Missouri this year
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of New Madrid County. Health officials say the risk to the general public is low and there is no indication of widespread exposure. The DHSS is working closely with the New Madrid County Health Department to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. Officials stress that this case is not connected to any previous measles cases reported in Missouri this year in Taney County on April 18 and then in St. Louis on April 30. As of May 6, 2025, Texas has reported 702 confirmed measles cases, primarily affecting children and teens. The majority of these cases are concentrated in Gaines County, which alone accounts for over 57% of the total cases. Two young girls have died, and 91 people have been hospitalized in Texas. Health experts attribute the outbreak to a high rate of nonmedical vaccine exemptions among schoolchildren and warn that the U.S. may be approaching a resurgence of endemic measles, a disease previously declared eliminated nationwide 25 years ago. The outbreak has also spread to neighboring New Mexico and Oklahoma, raising concerns about the potential for further transmission. While there is no indication of widespread exposure in Missouri, health officials are taking proactive measures to prevent the virus from reaching the state. According to the DHSS, measles can spread through direct contact with an infected person or through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Health officials urge anyone who suspects they may have measles, or who may have been exposed, to isolate and contact their healthcare provider before going to a clinic or hospital. This helps prevent further spread of the virus. DHSS says vaccination remains the best defense against measles. Two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective in preventing the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive their first MMR dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Unvaccinated adults are also encouraged to get caught up on their vaccinations. Children too young to receive the vaccine are especially vulnerable to severe complications from measles, highlighting the importance of community-wide immunization efforts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR -
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Missouri has first confirmed measles case, health officials say
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri has its first confirmed case of measles, health officials announced Friday. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) said someone visiting Taney County has a confirmed case of measles. This person has been associated with recent international travel, according to the DHSS. Possible measles exposure risk at Garden City hotel 'The case is in a child whose vaccination status has not yet been verified,' the DHSS said. 'There is no indication of widespread exposure as this person was diagnosed soon after arrival to Taney County.' The DHSS said exposure is believed to be limited, and known contacts have been identified and contacted. This is the first confirmed measles case detected in Missouri this year. 'For those unvaccinated or those unsure of their vaccination status, now is the time to review records and get caught up if needed,' said Dr. George Turabelidze, state epidemiologist with DHSS. The DHSS is supporting the Taney County Health Department with the disease investigation and advising individuals who may have been exposed. As of Thursday, there were 37 confirmed measles cases in Kansas. Measles outbreak in Kansas: 37 cases reported in past month Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that typically begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red and watery eyes. Symptoms appear within 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin. Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. Measles can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and death. Measles can be transmitted by direct contact with infectious droplets or by airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area. People who are infected will begin to have symptoms on average 1 to 2 weeks after being exposed to a person with measles. People who think they have measles or may have been exposed to measles should isolate themselves and call their health care provider before arriving to be tested. It is important to let the provider know that the patient may have measles and to get instructions on how to come to the office for diagnosis without exposing other people to the virus. More information about measles and county-level MMR vaccination rates can be found at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
