In Queensland water, a rare brain eating amoeba was found. If I drink tap water, may I get it?

 

A "brain-eating amoeba," one of the most harmful waterborne bacteria in the world, was recently found in two drinking water supplies in south-west Queensland.

The impacted communities of Charleville (population 3000) and Augathella (population about 300) are located roughly 750 kilometers west of Brisbane.

The water systems of two medical facilities, one in Charleville and one in Augathella, as well as the incoming town water supply at both, were found to contain Naegleria fowleri during an examination of water samples that Queensland Health had commissioned.

On August 7, the Shire Council of Murweh, which oversees the two impacted areas, warned locals and tourists about the presence of N. fowleri in the water supplies.

What is this organism, then? How serious of a concern is it likely to be in these towns in Queensland and elsewhere?

Although uncommon, it is almost always lethal.

The microscopic organism known as the N. fowleri amoeba is found all over the planet. Only warm freshwater, typically between 25 and 40 degrees, is suitable for its survival. Ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and hot springs can all fall under this category.

A dangerous brain infection known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is brought on by an N. fowleri infection.

A sore throat, headache, hallucinations, disorientation, nausea, fever, stiff neck, altered taste and smell, and seizures are some of the symptoms.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis usually has an incubation period of three to seven days, which is the interval between infection and the onset of symptoms.

Unfortunately, even with prompt medical intervention, this condition is almost invariably fatal. Usually, death happens five days following the onset of symptoms.

Fortunately, there are not many cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 167 instances of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis were reported in the US between 1962 and 2024. Only four people made it out alive.

Australia accounted for 22 of the 381 known cases, the fifth-highest number behind the US, Pakistan, Mexico, and India, according to a global evaluation of the disease's cases up to 2018. Approximately 92% of the population perished.

How does an infection occur?

The infectious route is highly distinct and uncommon. By way of the nose, N. fowleri infects the brain. The nasal epithelium is a protective membrane that the amoeba subsequently passes through.

This crucial physical barrier enables the amoeba to get past the olfactory nerve, which is in charge of our sense of smell, and reach the brain. Following the infection's destruction of brain tissue, cerebral oedema—a swelling of the brain—occurs.

People get infected when contaminated water gets up their nose. Children and young people who have swum in contaminated waters are involved in the majority of incidents. Males account for the majority of cases, with an average age of 14.

In impacted rivers, even water sports can be hazardous. In Missouri, a patient is in critical care after reportedly contracting an infection while water skiing.

The source of the virus has not been disclosed in relation to the current finding in Queensland water supply systems. The amoeba may have spread from a freshwater or groundwater source that supplies the impacted drinking water systems that was tainted with N. fowleri. However, more research will probably be needed to determine this.

To what extent does N. fowleri pose a threat to drinking water?

First, it is crucial to understand that drinking tainted water cannot cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.

However, it could be harmful to engage in any activity that lets contaminated water go into one's nose. This may occur while taking a shower or a bath.

To relieve congestion brought on by allergies or a viral illness, some people clear their nasal passages. This has been connected to N. fowleri infections. Use a sterile saline solution if you plan to flush your nasal passages.

Young children may be in danger even if they are playing with water activities, sprinklers, or hoses. In 2023, an event involving a contaminated water "splash pad" in the United States resulted in the death of a 16-month-old kid. Splash pads are water-based recreational activities that include spraying or splashing water, mainly for young children.