SOUTH KOREA: The first case of a “brain-eating amoeba”-related death in South Korea was reported by authorities on Monday.
Brain-eating amoeba found its first victim
According to South Korean media, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency confirmed that the disease caused the death of a 50-year-old Korean man who had just returned from Thailand.
The brain-eating amoeba, also known as Naegleria fowleri, is a single-celled organism that can cause a rare and often deadly disease called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
The amoeba is found commonly in warm, stagnant bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs, and it can enter the body through the nose when contaminated water is inhaled.
Once the amoeba enters the body, it travels to the brain, where it can cause inflammation and destruction of brain tissue.
Symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, which can progress to a coma and death within a few days.
The risk of contracting PAM from the brain-eating amoeba is low, but it is vital to take precautions when participating in water activities in warm, stagnant water.
The precautions include avoiding water activities in stagnant water, using a nose clip or holding the nose shut when participating in water activities, and avoiding water activities when the water is warm, and the water levels are low.
In addition, it is crucial to chlorinate swimming pools properly and to use disinfectant when cleaning water fountains to prevent the growth and spread of the brain-eating amoeba.
While PAM is rare, it is a severe and often deadly disease. It is essential to take precautions to prevent infection and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are present. With prompt medical treatment, the chances of survival can increase.
The brain-eating amoeba is a rare but severe threat that can cause serious illness and death. It is important to take precautions when participating in water activities in warm, stagnant water and to seek medical attention if symptoms of PAM are present.
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