A new brain-eating amoeba was recently found in Florida, United States. It was just a microscopic single-cell that could potentially enter a human brain through the nose. Now, authorities warn everyone to stay away from swimming on lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. to prevent from being infected with the said microorganism.
New amoeba found in Florida: it could inflict human brain
Usually, Naegleria fowleri is a type of amoeba that is active on warm-temperature bodies of water. Months like July, August, or September are the dates wherein these types of deadly organisms are typically found in lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Though it's rare for Floridians to receive these types of amoeba warnings, it was already their 37th amoeba case since 1962.
Ascension Parish and St Bernard Parish in New Orleans had the same brain-eating amoeba, back in July 2015. It was an important warning at the time to safely drink in tap waters. That includes not making your water enter your nose. And the same thing applies to the Floridians.
Aside from that warning, DOH also posted several more reminders for their citizens, including:
- Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater bodies, hot springs, and thermally polluted water such as water around power plants.
- Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.
- Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when taking part in water-related activities in warm freshwater bodies such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.
- Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
