what is amoeba infection?

Answer 1

Tulsa - NewsChannel 8 has learned that a Tulsa County child has died after contracting a deadly infection from an amoeba.

The Tulsa Health Department confirmed that the child, identified as nine-year-old Terrell Hampton, was diagnosed with a Naegleria infection. It's believed Hampton contracted the organism by swimming in stagnant water containing the amoeba.

The health department also says another child is suspected of having the rare, often fatal disease.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Naegleria amoeba is found worldwide, but is most commonly found in warm bodies of fresh water such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. The organism can also be found in under-chlorinated swimming pools.

Several swimming pools in Tulsa were shut down Friday because the boy may have swam there. But, the pools reopened Friday afternoon after it was determined they were clean.

Health officials say it is highly unlikely the amoeba came from a swimming pool because most cases are found in stagnant water in ponds, lakes, creeks or other fresh water areas.

A memorial fund has been set up to assist the family of Terrell Hampton with medical and funeral expenses. Contributions can be sent to Bank of Oklahoma, P.O. Box 1300, Tulsa, OK 74102, Attention: Terrell Hampton Memorial Fund.

Only 24 Naegleria infections were documented between 1989 and 2000. Victims become infected when the amoeba enters the body through the nose while the person is swimming under water or diving. It then travels to the brain and spinal cord.

Most of the infections have proven fatal. Officials say prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical.

The initial symptoms of a Naegleria infection include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck. As time passes, the symptoms evolve to confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and hallucinations.

The CDC (website - news) says the disease progresses rapidly and usually results in death within a week.

The Naegleria infection cannot be spread from person to person contact.