PHOENIX — Health officials in Arizona are investigating a suspected case of a rare brain-eating amoeba, known as Naegleria Fowleri.
The case was identified in Mohave County, according to Eugene Livar, assistant director of public health preparedness for the Arizona Department of Health Services, who spoke with KTAR News 92.3 FM.
Specimens have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing.
Naegleria Fowleri infections typically occur when individuals swim, dive, or submerge their heads in freshwater bodies such as lakes or rivers.
An investigation is ongoing to determine possible exposures and locations, although this infection cannot be transmitted from person to person.
How rare is Naegleria Fowleri?
According to the CDC, there have been no more than five cases diagnosed annually from 2013 to 2022, with a total of 29 reported infections during that period.
Arizona has had previous cases, including one last year where a Nevada resident was infected in Kingman Wash on the Arizona side of Lake Mead, as mentioned by Livar.
Another case occurred in 2007 at Lake Havasu.
Infections caused by Naegleria Fowleri destroy brain tissue, leading to swelling and death. Over the past 60 years, approximately 97% of individuals infected with this amoeba have died, according to the CDC.
