Amoeba 'eat brains', a deadly parasite

Last August died in Florida (United States) a 12-year-old boy who had been infected by an Amoeba, the Naegleria fowleri, introduced into the human body through the nostrils, and destroying the brain tissue of its host, so 99% of those affected die for their cause. But this organization popularly known as Amoeba gambling where and how you can prevent your infection? We explain what you then.
Simply swim in water infected by the amoeba is enough so that it penetrates the body and reaches the brain of the victim, where it causes a primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a disease that affects the central nervous system and that in the majority of cases is fatal. As well, and according to data from the center of Control and prevention of diseases of United States, 128 persons infected by the Agency in that country between 1962 and 2012, only one managed to survive.
Usually, the Naegleria fowleri found in warm fresh water, such as lakes, rivers and springs, but also can be on Earth, or in pools where the water has not been treated with chlorine properly. Develops better at high temperatures, normally up to a maximum of 46 ° C, but it can survive short periods at higher temperatures, and can also remain in sediments of lakes or rivers at temperatures below which is in the water.

Symptoms of infection by Naegleria fowleri

The early symptoms of infection by Naegleria fowleri or comecerebros Amoeba - and presented around five days after exposure to the organism - are similar to those of a bacterial meningitis, and often include fever, headache, nausea or vomiting. Subsequently appears stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, lack of attention, hallucinations and convulsions. The disease progresses very quickly and the patient dies from 1 to 12 days after the appearance of the first symptoms.
Although different medications have been tried to fight the infection that have proven effective in the laboratory, currently its mortality rate is more than 99%, and they killed even patients who had tried, so prevention is the only way to combat the parasite.
The 'comecerebros' Amoeba infection -Naegleria fowleri-it is extremely uncommon, but its mortality rate is more than 99%

How to prevent infection by Naegleria fowleri

Infection by Naegleria fowleri it is extremely uncommon, but yet, and because of its lethality, it is convenient to know the risks and take steps to prevent it. Thus, in the case that you like to swim in fresh water warm and not chlorinated, such as lakes, swamps and rivers:

• He avoids doing so in times when the water temperature is high or when the water level is low.
• Do not remove the sediment when you're doing activities in shallow areas with lukewarm fresh water.
• Do not submerge the head under water to prevent it from penetrating the nose, especially if it's thermal waters that have not been treated.

In addition, irrigate the nostrils with water also contaminated allows Amoeba comecerebros penetrate the organism. Therefore, to irrigate, wash or rinse the nasal sinuses uses only sterile or distilled water, or who has been previously filtered (with an absolute filter suitable pore with a micron or less than size), or boil it first for one to three minutes and cool it.

Article contributed for educational purposes