The Alarming Rise of the Brain-Eating Amoeba: The Silent Killer

"The brain-eating amoeba" is an extremely rare and fatal organism, known as Naegleria fowleri.

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports only three cases per year.

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The amoeba enters the human body through the nose and thrives in non-chlorinated, warm freshwater.

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Swimmers in lakes, rivers, and hot springs are susceptible to infection.

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Improperly chlorinated pools and water parks have been linked to some cases.

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Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and coma.

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Medical help should be sought as soon as symptoms are observed.

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The amoeba occurs naturally in freshwater environments and warm soil.

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Taking precautions to prevent water from entering the nose is crucial to avoid infection.

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