Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare and deadly disease that has affected a 25-year-old man who is now in intensive care fighting for his life. The young man was diagnosed with the disease after being infected with the single-celled parasite Naegleria fowleri, which has only been reported in about 400 cases worldwide.
Naegleria fowleri is a species of single-celled organisms that live in natural and artificial fresh water bodies at temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Infection occurs when the parasite enters the body through the nasal passages and olfactory epithelium, then travels to the brain through the olfactory nerve. There are also other possible routes of infection, such as inhalation of aerosols containing cysts of the parasite.
The Ministry of Health is conducting an epidemiological investigation into this case, taking water samples from the suspected site of contamination. It’s important for people to be aware of the risks associated with swimming in contaminated water bodies and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms related to amoebic meningoencephalitis.
