Latest news with #Lundstrom
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Rare brain eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri kills woman: How a tiny amoeba in tap water can kill you and how to stay safe
Brain Eating Amoeba: A 71-year-old woman in Texas died after using unboiled tap water from an RV for nasal rinsing, leading to a rare but fatal infection caused by Naegleria fowleri — the so-called 'brain-eating' amoeba. The case, confirmed by the CDC, has raised fresh concerns over improper water use in nasal irrigation and swimming. Infections are exceedingly rare but almost always deadly. Authorities stress the importance of safe water practices to avoid exposure, particularly in warmer months when the amoeba thrives. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is Naegleria fowleri? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How the woman got infected Symptoms to watch for Headache Fever Nausea Vomiting Confusion Stiff neck Seizures Hallucinations Coma Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How to protect yourself How it spreads and survives Can it be treated? A woman in Texas died after contracting a deadly brain infection from a microscopic amoeba in tap water used for a nasal rinse, U.S. health officials have 71-year-old was reportedly staying at a local campground and had used water from her RV's tap in a nasal irrigation device. Just four days later, she developed severe neurological symptoms and died within eight days of falling ill. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the infection as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by Naegleria fowleri — a rare but nearly always fatal amoeba.'This case reinforces the potential for serious health risks associated with improper use of nasal irrigation devices, as well as the importance of maintaining RV water quality and ensuring that municipal water systems adhere to regulatory standards,' the CDC fowleri is a single-celled organism that lives in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs. It can also survive in poorly maintained swimming pools and untreated tap water. It is referred to as a "brain-eating amoeba" because, once it enters through the nose, it travels along the olfactory nerve into the brain, where it destroys brain its terrifying name, the amoeba is extremely rare. Between 1962 and 2023, only 164 cases were recorded in the U.S., with just four known Lundstrom, Chief Medical Officer and infectious disease expert at Trinity Health, told Fox News Digital, 'The risk of brain-eating amoeba is very low. Fewer than 10 people in the U.S. every year get infected — but unfortunately, most cases are fatal. There are only a handful of survivors of known cases.'The CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report detailed that the woman had used a nasal irrigation device multiple times over four days. It was filled with unboiled tap water from the RV's internal plumbing. After symptoms such as fever, headache and altered mental status emerged, she was hospitalised and treated for a suspected PAM her condition rapidly worsened. She suffered seizures and died eight days after the symptoms began. Testing of her cerebrospinal fluid confirmed the presence of Naegleria the amoeba itself was not detected in the RV water supply, investigators found the system had not been adequately symptoms of PAM often appear within five days of exposure, though onset can range from one to 12 days. These include:As the infection advances, it can cause:'Early symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, as they are also signs of bacterial meningitis,' said disease progresses swiftly. On average, death occurs five days after symptoms begin, but it can happen in as little as one day or as long as CDC advises that only sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water should be used for nasal rinsing. Improperly treated water, especially from RVs or municipal systems lacking adequate disinfection, can pose a swimming, experts recommend keeping your head above water or using a nose clip. 'Infection occurs when water harbouring the amoeba goes up a person's nose, usually during swimming,' Lundstrom explained. 'It is not known why some people get infected and others, even swimming companions, do not.'Drinking contaminated water is not a risk factor, as the infection only occurs via nasal exposure. It also does not spread between the amoeba thrives in warm temperatures — typically over 30°C — and can survive in sediment, swimmers are advised not to disturb the bottom of lakes or fowleri has three life stages: cyst, trophozoite (the active stage), and flagellate. The active form can infect humans but under less favourable conditions, it reverts to a cyst and clings to surfaces in plumbing or grows best at temperatures up to 46°C and can survive briefly even in hotter conditions. Most infections occur in southern U.S. states, though cases are being reported further north — possibly linked to climate limit the spread, many southern utilities perform annual chlorine burns at the start of summer to flush out biofilms where the amoeba might options are limited due to the rapid progression and severity of PAM. Doctors typically use antifungal and antibiotic drugs, such as rifampin and azithromycin, alongside miltefosine, a newer antifungal that has shown some promise in lab Lundstrom cautioned, 'The effect of all of these drugs on actual infected people is unknown due to the high fatality rate.'Prompt diagnosis remains difficult because early symptoms resemble other, more common warmest months are when Naegleria fowleri is most active, especially in southern regions. Splash pads, lakes, and even backyard kiddie pools can become risky if water is left untreated or infections are rare, families are urged to take simple precautions. Use sterile water for nasal care. Be cautious in warm freshwater environments. And remember, the amoeba doesn't pose a risk in saltwater or from drinking.'Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected,' said Lundstrom. 'Awareness and prevention are your best tools.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
General Hospital's Steve Burton Gets Married
General Hospital star (Jason) said 'I do" once again. Burton married his girlfriend, content creator and chef Michelle Lundstrom, on May 17 in Laguna Beach, California, People magazine reports. The couple's nuptials were a family-only occasion, including Burton's three children from his previous marriage, Makena, 21, Jack, 19, and Brooklyn, 10, and Lundstrom's two daughters, Lilah, 14, and Hannah, 10. GH co-star Jackson (Lucky) and his wife, Lisa Vultaggio, were part of the wedding party. The ceremony was followed by a small reception that Burton's GH friends attended. Burton told the magazine, which has all the details of the wedding: This day isn't just about a ceremony. It's the beginning of forever with the love of my life. RELATED: GH's Steve Burton Announces Engagement Burton and Lundstrom's romance first became public in 2024, with the couple getting engaged in Jan. 2025.
Mint
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
General Hospital actor Steve Burton marries chef Michelle Lundstrom in intimate ceremony
General Hospital star Steve Burton has exchanged vows with his girlfriend Michelle Lundstrom, a chef and content creator, in a romantic Orthodox church ceremony followed by an ultra-exclusive oceanfront reception in Laguna Beach, California. The 54-year-old actor married Lundstrom, 44, on Saturday, May 17, surrounded by their closest family and friends. General Hospital actor Steve Burton gets hitched Steve and Michelle got married in an intimate church ceremony. The wedding was attended by immediate family members, while their reception at Montage Laguna Beach was graced by 45 guests from their inner circle, including some of Burton's colleagues from General Hospital. "This day isn't just about a ceremony," Burton told PEOPLE. 'It's the beginning of forever with the love of my life.' Lundstrom, who appeared on Netflix's Barbecue Showdown 2, looked stunning in a custom, strapless couture gown designed by Lee Petra Grebenau. "It was exactly what I had wanted, romantic with a vintage vibe," she said. Her daughters, Lilah and Hannah, joined her in the search for the perfect wedding dress and were part of the wedding party, alongside Burton's three children, Makena, Brooklyn, and Jack. The couple's love for '80s music and movies was evident in their playlist, which featured romance songs during cocktail hour and reception. However, they chose a more modern track, "I Choose You" by Forest Blakk, for their first dance. For Burton and Lundstrom, marriage "means everything," and they're looking forward to spending their lives together, growing in faith and love. "I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend," Burton said, while Lundstrom revealed she had "never felt so safe and loved" by someone. About General Hospital General Hospital, where Burton stars, is a beloved institution in American television. Set in the fictional city of Port Charles, New York, the show has been on the air for decades, boasting a loyal fan base and breaking viewership records in the late 1970s.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘General Hospital' star Steve Burton marries Chef Michelle Lundstrom in California
Actor Steve Burton and chef-influencer Michelle Lundstrom exchanged vows on May 17 in an intimate wedding ceremony held in Laguna Beach, California. Intimate Orthodox Wedding and Oceanfront Reception According to PEOPLE, the couple's special day began with a personal Orthodox church wedding, followed by a romantic reception overlooking the ocean at the Montage Laguna Beach. The celebration was attended by 45 close friends and family members. While the church ceremony was reserved for immediate family, the coastal reception welcomed a small guest list, including some of Burton's ' General Hospital ' co-stars such as Jonathan Jackson and his wife, Lisa Vultaggio. Bespoke Gown and Family Involvement in the Entourage by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Lundstrom looked stunning in a custom-made strapless wedding gown by designer Lee Petra Grebenau, which featured a vintage and romantic aesthetic aligning with her personal style. Her two daughters, Lilah and Hannah, played a role in selecting the dress and joined Burton's three children—Makena, Jack, and Brooklyn—in the wedding entourage. Notably, Jack served as a groomsman by his father's side, a detail that held special significance for Burton. Lundstrom's sister, Janine, served as the maid of honor, while Burton's best friend, Jeremy Ross, was the best man. Couple's Joy and Sentiments on Finding Love Expressing his happiness, Burton told People, "I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend, growing together each day in faith and love." For Lundstrom, marrying Burton felt like a "fairy tale." She shared heartfelt sentiments about her new husband, saying, "Gosh, he's proven that fairy tale love truly exists. He's like pure sunshine — always uplifting, endlessly caring. His love makes me a better person every single day." She added, "To have the most incredible man I've ever known by my side forever brings me so much peace and happiness. He is the love of my life, and I feel so blessed to call him mine." Romantic Reception Decor and Personal Touches The reception venue, perched atop a bluff with views of the Pacific Ocean, was adorned with floral arrangements by Honey Bear Events and décor in blush, ivory, and sea glass green tones, illuminated by candlelight. The evening's soundtrack featured music from the 1980s, a shared favorite of the couple, which played during both the cocktail hour and the reception. Burton and Lundstrom's first dance was to Forest Blakk's "I Choose You." Guests reportedly enjoyed a delightful meal catered by Montage chefs. For dessert, the couple opted for a vanilla sponge cake with cream and fresh berries, an elegant take on Burton's initial idea of a simple sheet cake. Surprise Proposal and Honeymoon Plans Steve Burton proposed to Michelle Lundstrom in January during a surprise proposal he orchestrated in Nashville, four months before their wedding. Following their nuptials, the newlyweds hosted a farewell brunch for their friends and family before embarking on their honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii, to begin their married life together.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
American actor Steve Burton marries Michelle Lundstrom in an intimate Laguna Beach wedding
Steve Burton, the longtime General Hospital star, has found his "forever" with chef and content creator Michelle Lundstrom . The couple exchanged vows on May 17, 2025, in a private Orthodox church ceremony in Laguna Beach, California, followed by an intimate oceanfront reception at Montage Laguna Beach with 45 close friends and family Burton's children: Makena, 21; Jack, 19; and Brooklyn, 10, stood alongside Lundstrom's daughters, Lilah, 14, and Hannah, 10, in the wedding party. Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Burton, 54, and Lundstrom, 44, announced their engagement in January 2025 after publicly confirming their relationship in May 2024. Their bond grew over shared interests, including a love for 1980s culture. Burton's proposal was a heartfelt recreation of their first meeting, set in Nashville. Burton's General Hospital co-star Jonathan Jackson and his wife, Lisa Vultaggio, were also part of the celebration. Live Events Lundstrom wore a custom strapless couture gown by Lee Petra Grebenau, chosen with the help of her daughters. "When I tried on my dress, I knew it was the one," she recalled. "I came out to show my girls, and they both said, 'That's the one, Mom!' We all knew" The reception featured a romantic ambiance with blush, ivory, and sea glass green décor, soft candlelight, and 1980s love songs, reflecting the couple's shared nostalgia. Their first dance was to "I Choose You" by Forest Blakk. Burton said, "This day isn't just about a ceremony. It's the beginning of forever with the love of my life." Who is Michelle Lundstrom? Michelle Lundstrom is a chef and content creator who gained recognition as a contestant on Season 2 of Netflix's Barbecue Showdown in 2023. Originally from a close-knit Italian-American family in New York, she now resides in Nashville. Lundstrom shares her culinary creations on Instagram, posting daily recipes and cooking videos. She is also a mother to two daughters. Steve Burton's previous marriage Burton was previously married to Sheree Gustin for 23 years before their separation in 2022. They finalized their divorce in December 2023 and share three children. The newlyweds are currently honeymooning in Maui, Hawaii, celebrating the start of their new life together.
