The Rise of Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba (PAM) in American States in the North

Sustainability Awakening

Deadly brain-eating amoeba infections are increasing in the US North, and it might be due to climate change.

Researchers from the Ohio Public Health Association reported that infections by the single-celled Naegleria fowleri amoeba have been on the rise in northern US states.

The amoeba gets into the body via the nose, causing a disease called Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which leads to severe illness and usually death.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported PAM has a mortality rate of more than 97 percent.

Experts believe N. fowleri is expanding northward due to climate change, posing a greater threat to human health.

Symptoms of PAM are similar to bacterial meningitis, killing via brain swelling, with N. fowleri also destroying brain tissue.

The infected person has no specific defense methods against the amoebae, making it challenging to contain the infection.

Early detection, aggressive treatment, and therapeutic hypothermia are the ways to increase survival chances.

Awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate the public about the risks of amoeba infections and how to prevent them.

Rising temperatures caused by climate change could lead to a further increase in the spread of this deadly infection.

Precautions should be taken when swimming in freshwater, such as wearing nose clips or avoiding swimming during hot summer months.

This rare disease underscores the urgent need for proactive public health measures and research to better understand and address this emerging health threat.

The rise of deadly brain-eating amoeba infections also highlights the consequences of climate change on human health.

It's important to take action to address climate change and prevent further spread of deadly infections like PAM.

You can read a general introduction of brain eating amoeba, here.

Stay safe and healthy with Sustainability Awakening.