A rare and nearly fatal brain-eating amoeba has been detected in two drinking water supplies in south-west Queensland, posing a risk to residents and visitors. Naegleria fowleri, also known as the “brain-eating amoeba,” is found in warm freshwater environments around the world.
The detection was made by analyzing water samples from health facilities in Charleville and Augathella, which are approximately 750 kilometers west of Brisbane. The Shire Council of Murweh issued a health notice on August 7 warning residents and visitors about the risk.
If infected, N. fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a serious brain infection with symptoms including headache, confusion, seizures, and hallucinations. This illness is nearly always fatal, even with prompt medical attention.
The risk of infection is low, but potential risks include people flushing their nasal passages or engaging in water activities that allow contaminated water to enter the nose. Drinking or cooking with contaminated water will not cause an infection.
Residents are advised to be cautious and follow guidelines for disinfecting water supplies and controlling N. fowleri. The Australian government recommends regularly testing public town water supplies to ensure they are safe to drink.
While swimming in potentially infected warm freshwater is a risk, the amoeba cannot survive in saltwater, and properly maintained swimming pools should be safe from the organism. Residents can reduce their risk by keeping their head above water while swimming and not jumping or diving into bodies of water.
Source: https://theconversation.com/a-rare-brain-eating-amoeba-has-been-detected-in-queensland-water-can-i-catch-it-by-drinking-tapwater-or-in-the-shower-263110