Naegleria fowleri, the amoeba responsible for a deadly infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, is commonly found in warm fresh water. Infection occurs only when the amoeba enters the body through the nose — an infection cannot occur from ingesting drinking water.
The 18-year-old girl contracted the condition while swimming on a church trip. Jim Wilson, senior pastor at Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church in Westerville, told NBC4 that the only place the group came into contact with a body of warm water was when they went whitewater rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C. Officials from the center and health officials from Mecklenburg County in North Carolina have reportedly met to discuss the case.
Learn more about the Naegleria fowleri and PAM here.
More articles on infection control:
Misdiagnosis spurred MERS outbreak in Middle East, WHO says
Texas hospital treats man with flesh-eating bacteria infection
UC Health nurse sues health system for covering up scope-related outbreak
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.