Jack Herrara of 12 years died after his brain was attacked by Naegleria fowleri amoeba after swimming in a lake, three other victims were in Florida and one in Arizona.
Recent tests have shown that the brain-eating amoeba is in Tucson water supply, but experts say the microscopic bug does not pose health hazards because the water is chlorinated before distribution, killing the first Naegleria fowleri that the water reaches the taps.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says Naegleria fowleri is found worldwide, most commonly in warm bodies of freshwater such as lakes, rivers, springs, water discharged from industrial plants, poorly maintained and minimally chlorinated swimming pools and in the soil.
Between 1995 and 2004 only 23 infections were documented in the United States and even though infection with Naegleria is very rare, occurs most commonly during the dry summer months when the air temperature is warm, the 'water is warm, and water levels are low.
The CDC said the number of infections increases during heat waves.
The infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose usually when people are swimming underwater, diving, or doing water sports that result in water going up your nose.
The amoeba then travels to the brain and spinal cord where it destroys brain tissue.
The early signs and symptoms of Naegleria 1 to 14 days after infection and include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and neck stiffness.
As the amoebae cause more extensive destruction of brain tissue this leads to confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, convulsions and hallucinations.
Recent tests have shown that the brain-eating amoeba is in Tucson water supply, but experts say the microscopic bug does not pose health hazards because the water is chlorinated before distribution, killing the first Naegleria fowleri that the water reaches the taps.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says Naegleria fowleri is found worldwide, most commonly in warm bodies of freshwater such as lakes, rivers, springs, water discharged from industrial plants, poorly maintained and minimally chlorinated swimming pools and in the soil.
Between 1995 and 2004 only 23 infections were documented in the United States and even though infection with Naegleria is very rare, occurs most commonly during the dry summer months when the air temperature is warm, the 'water is warm, and water levels are low.
The CDC said the number of infections increases during heat waves.
The infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose usually when people are swimming underwater, diving, or doing water sports that result in water going up your nose.
The amoeba then travels to the brain and spinal cord where it destroys brain tissue.
The early signs and symptoms of Naegleria 1 to 14 days after infection and include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and neck stiffness.
As the amoebae cause more extensive destruction of brain tissue this leads to confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, convulsions and hallucinations.
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