Professor Jahad Beshara, head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Bilinson, provides insight into the “brain-eating amoeba“, which has infected a second patient in Israel. He explains that the disease is extremely rare, with only two confirmed cases in Israel and approximately 400 globally. Beshara notes that the mortality rate is high, and there is currently no treatment available.
Understanding the Infection Process
According to Professor Beshara, “the amoeba is a single-celled parasite that thrives in freshwater environments, absent of chlorine. While it cannot survive in chlorinated pool water, the amoeba becomes active and multiplies in high temperatures. However, merely drinking contaminated water will not cause infection. To reach the brain and cause infection, the amoeba must penetrate the nasal passage, often through activities such as diving or splashing water into the nose.”
A brain-eating amoeba of the “Nalagria poulari” variety, photo: Wikipedia
Minimizing the Risk of Infection
Professor Bashara emphasizes that “when the amoeba reaches the brain, it causes the death of brain cells, resulting in severe illness and potentially fatal consequences. Stagnant, untreated water and nasal exposure to contaminated water are key factors in the infection process. Following the previous case, the Ministry of Health investigated and found no evidence of the amoeba’s presence. Infections typically occur in swamps and stagnant water bodies.”
Notably, infection only occurs when contaminated water is inhaled through the nose, and not through digestion or skin contact. Given this, experts advise caution when bathing in warm water sources, particularly during periods of high temperatures.
Ziv Hospital, photo: Gini Agency
Earlier today, the Ministry of Health announced that a 10-year-old boy suffering from encephalitis was sedated and ventilated in Ziv Hospital’s intensive care unit. A sample was sent to the Ministry of Health’s laboratories to rule out or confirm the rare amoeba (naegleria fowleri) infection. The Ministry confirmed that the child indeed had the rare amoeba.
Regarding the risk of the amoeba, Professor Jahad Beshara, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Bilinson, is concerned and stated that “the amoeba is extremely rare and usually deadly. So far, only three people out of 135 infected in the United States since 1962 have survived, according to reports.” [[1]](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p01085.pdf) Experts also highlight that when the amoeba infects its host, it can destroy brain tissue and cause inflammation. [[2]](https://www.webmd.com/brain/brain-eating-amoeba) Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba, is a species of the genus Naegleria, belonging to the phylum Percolozoa. [[3]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naegleria_fowleri)
how to avoid brain-eating amoeba
The Rare yet Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba: Understanding the Infection and Minimizing Risk
As a blog news writer, I am compelled to analyze and provide insight into the recent news article about the brain-eating amoeba, specifically the “Naegleria fowleri” variety, which has infected a second patient in Israel. According to Professor Jahad Beshara, head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at Bilinson, this disease is extremely rare, with only two confirmed cases in Israel and approximately 400 globally. However, the mortality rate is high, and there is currently no treatment available.
What is the Brain-Eating Amoeba?
Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled parasite that thrives in freshwater environments, absent of chlorine. It is a type of amoeba that can cause a serious central nervous system infection, leading to brain inflammation (meningoencephalitis) [[1]]. The amoeba is commonly found in warm and still fresh water bodies of water [[2]].
How is the Infection Spread?
According to Professor Beshara, the amoeba cannot survive in chlorinated pool water, but it becomes active and multiplies in high temperatures. However, merely drinking contaminated water will not cause infection. To reach the brain and cause infection, the amoeba must penetrate the nasal passage, often through activities such as diving or splashing water into the nose. This highlights the importance of taking precautions when engaging in water activities, especially in freshwater environments.
Minimizing the Risk of Infection
While the infection is rare, it is essential to take steps to minimize the risk of infection. Some ways to reduce the risk include:
Avoiding diving or splashing water into the nose in freshwater environments
Using nasal clips or a nose plug when swimming or engaging in water activities in freshwater environments
Avoiding submerging the head in warm freshwater environments
Ensuring that swimming pools are properly chlorinated and maintained
Conclusion
The brain-eating amoeba is a rare yet deadly infection that can have severe consequences if not treated promptly. While the disease is rare, it is essential to take precautions and minimize the risk of infection, especially during water activities in freshwater environments. By understanding the infection process and taking steps to prevent it, we can reduce the risk of contracting this deadly disease.
References
[[1]] Health Ministry / Bathing water / Amoeba
[[2]] Brain-Eating Amoeba (Naegleria Fowleri)
[[3]] Naegleria fowleri – Agents Pathogènes
