UNAIR NEWS – At the end of December 2022, the first death case of Naegleria fowleri infection in South Korea captured the world’s attention in less than two weeks. Dwi Peni Kartikasari, dr. M.Imun, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) Universitas Airlangga, deemed the phenomenon a rare case.

“The case of infection has been found since years ago. There are around 300 cases, which makes it rare. Interestingly enough, most of the cases are commonly found from direct contact with fresh water,” she said.

Living up to its name, Naegleria fowleri is a protozoan that kills brain cells or known as necrosis. The amoeba infects humans through the nasal, which is transmitted to the brain shortly. The quick transmission causes rising death cases compared to the recovered ones.

“Only some people are recovered due to early detection, allowing them to get optimal treatment earlier. A while ago, one of the survivors didn’t develop brain damage due to the use of antiprotozoal medicine and hypothermia treatment combination,” said the parasitologist.

The infection symptoms of Naegleria fowleri are similar to meningitis. Peni believed that the infected people would go to the hospital sooner or later. “There will be an increase in body temperature, severe headache, and vomiting. After that, the patient will experience stiffness in the neck and impaired consciousness and balance,” she said.

Peni advised the community to stay alert when coming into direct contact with fresh water from nature. “When you’re swimming, don’t inhale the water through the nose. Make sure that the pool has been chlorinated,” she said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, people may boil the water before using it for ablution. People who suffer from fever, severe headache, and vomiting should go to the hospital immediately for early treatment.

Author: Leivina Ariani Sugiharto Putri

Editor : Binti Q. Masruroh