A 16-month-old toddler from Little Rock, Arkansas, lost his life to a rare and deadly infection caused by a brain-eating amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri, Fox News reports.
The incident, which occurred on Sept 4, has raised concerns about the potential risks lurking in seemingly harmless recreational activities.
The Tragic Incident
Arkansas Online reports that Michael Alexander Pollock III, a vibrant toddler described as his parents' "pride and joy," succumbed to a relentless infection that rapidly destroyed brain tissue.
Michael's parents, Michael Jr. and Julia Pollock, were away from the state when the incident unfolded at the Country Club of Little Rock's splash pad.
Investigations
The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), through an exhaustive investigation, pinpointed the splash pad as the likely source of exposure.
Samples from the pool and splash pad were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with one sample confirming the presence of the deadly Naegleria fowleri.
This microscopic menace thrives in warm, freshwater bodies, making splash pads and improperly chlorinated pools potential breeding grounds.
Fatal Infection
Although Naegleria fowleri infections are exceedingly rare, occurring in only about three individuals annually in the United States, they tend to be fatal.
The amoeba's natural habitat includes warm freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs.
Its deadly nature lies in the fact that it can also lurk in pools and splash pads if proper maintenance and disinfection protocols are not followed.
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Understanding the Symptoms
The progression of the infection is a terrifying journey.
Initial symptoms, which can manifest within five days after exposure, include severe headaches, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Victims may experience confusion, a stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, and even coma as the infection advances. Shockingly, death can occur within one to 18 days, with an average of five days, according to the CDC.
Survival Rates, Previous Incidents
The grim reality is that survival rates are alarmingly low, with a staggering 97% fatality associated with primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria fowleri.
Although the majority of cases of PAM caused by Naegleria fowleri infection in the United States have been fatal, five reported survivors have been identified.
Arkansas has seen its share of these tragic cases, including the survival of Kali Hardig in 2013, who defied the odds after contracting the amoeba at a water park.
In the United States, most cases occur during summer, particularly in the South and Southwest regions. CDC data shows that Texas and Florida have reported the most cases since 1962.
As climate change potentially exacerbates the risk by raising water temperatures in lakes and ponds, staying vigilant during the warmer months becomes crucial.
Experts suggest that heat waves, which result in higher air and water temperatures, may further encourage the amoeba's growth.
Stay posted here at Tech Times.
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