User:Mr. Ibrahem/Naegleriasis

Naegleriasis, also known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is an infection of the brain by Naegleria fowleri. Initial symptoms generally include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting. This is than followed by stiff neck, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures. Onset is generally 1 to 12 days after exposure; with death usually occurring within 18 days.

N. fowleri is typically found in warm bodies of fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs; it also occurs in soil. It grows best at temperatures of up to 46°C (115°F). Infection may occur if contaminated water goes up the nose, such as during swimming or nasal irrigation. It does not survive in seawater, does not spread between people, and does not occur following drinking contaminated water. Diagnosis is confirmed by finding evidence of the organism in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or brain tissue. It is a type of amoebic encephalitis.

Water can be disinfected with chlorine. Efforts to prevent infection include not putting the head underwater, avoiding stirring up sediment, and wearing a nose clip. Treatment is typically with a combination of amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone. Therapeutic hypothermia has also been used.

Naegleriasis is rare, with 440 cases reported globally since 1962. Most reports are from the United States, Australia, and France; with the belief that most cases in the developing world remain diagnosed. There have been 157 cases documented between 1962 and 2022 in the United States (0 to 8 cases per year). Of these cases 4 people (2.5%) survived. Most cases occur in young males and occur during summer months. Areas were the disease occurs appear to be expanding due to climate change. The disease was first described in 1965 in Australia while the organism involved was described in 1899.