Missouri Resident in Critical Condition with Suspected 'Brain-Eating' Amoeba After Lake Activity

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – A Missouri resident has been hospitalized with a life-threatening brain infection suspected to be caused by Naegleria fowleri, a microscopic amoeba commonly known as the "brain-eating amoeba," the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) confirmed late Friday. The patient is currently receiving treatment for Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and devastating illness.

Health officials reported that the individual's exposure may have occurred while water skiing at a lake in Missouri. The specific lake has not been publicly identified pending further investigation by state and local health authorities. The DHSS is working to confirm the presence of the organism and trace the source of the infection.

"These are very difficult cases and our hearts go out to the family," a DHSS spokesperson said in a statement. "While the risk of infection is extremely low, the severity of the disease makes it critical for the public to be aware of the potential dangers of warm freshwater."

Understanding Naegleria fowleri

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism found in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs across the United States, particularly in southern states during the summer. It thrives in water temperatures above 80°F (27°C).

Infection is exceptionally rare and occurs when contaminated water is forcefully pushed up the nose, typically during activities like diving, water skiing, or swimming. The amoeba then travels from the nose to the brain, where it destroys brain tissue, causing the fatal condition PAM.

Crucially, the infection cannot be spread from person to person or by swallowing contaminated water. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fatality rate for PAM is over 97%. Only a handful of individuals in North America have ever been known to survive the infection.

Public Health Guidance and Prevention

While health officials stress the rarity of such infections, they are using this case to remind the public of safety measures to take during summer water activities. The CDC does not recommend against swimming in freshwater but provides several precautions to reduce the already low risk:

• Avoid jumping or diving into bodies of warm freshwater, especially during periods of high water temperatures and low water levels.
• Hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water when participating in water-related activities.
• Avoid stirring up sediment in shallow, warm freshwater areas, as the amoeba is more likely to be found in the sediment.

Health experts also warn against using untreated tap water for nasal rinsing, such as with neti pots. Only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water should be used for such purposes.

A Rare but Growing Concern

Between 1962 and 2023, the CDC recorded 157 known cases of PAM in the United States, with an average of only a few cases reported each year. However, recent years have seen cases appear in more northern states, including Minnesota and Iowa, a trend some scientists attribute to rising global temperatures.

The Missouri case serves as a sober reminder of a hidden danger lurking in seemingly idyllic summer settings. As health officials continue their investigation, the focus remains on raising public awareness to prevent future tragedies, no matter how rare the threat may be.