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Showing posts from September, 2004

Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills Arizona Boy (updated)

Microorganisms can enter our body in multiple ways. When we go swimming, the expectations of contracting a deadly amoeba is not a consideration. However, we have to be proactive with our health by staying informed. I'm not a proponent of sticking anything up your nose. If you are interested, check out my other post on the dangers of Neti Pots.     The Story  A 14-year-old Arizona boy became the 6th victim to die this year of a microscopic organism (Naegleria fowleri) which attacks the body through the nasal cavity, then quickly making its way up to the brain. Aaron Evans died on Sept. 17th from this organism doctors said he most likely contracted up a week before while swimming in Lake Havasu.  What does the CDC have to say? According to the Centers For Disease Control, there are only 23 reported cases of infection from 1995 to 2004. However, this year health officials said they've noticed a spike in cases, with 6 fatalities to date.  *  This is a heat-loving amoeba. As water t