Brain Eater Warms To USA
By Nathan Dennison
As the debate upon global warming continues, more and more complications are being associated with the possible rise in temperature. In this year alone six fatalities in the US have been caused by the hot air temperature loving amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. That’s compared to just twenty three documented cases between 1995 and 2004.The amoeba is found worldwide in warm bodies of fresh water, including poorly maintained swimming pools. Infection usually occurs through the nose, causing inflammation of brain tissue followed by complete neural collapse. Death occurs three to seven days after the initial infection. Strangely, the illness is more commonly found in men than women; why this should be is still unclear.
Whether or not rising temperatures are to blame for the increase of this mind-shattering little bugger is open to debate. The fact that the amoeba prefers higher temperatures could well have lead to the automatic conclusion that global warming must be accountable.
However, if it does transpire that global warming is to blame then it’s just another in a long line of unexpected consequences of increased temperatures around the globe. Nose plugs all round.For more information about Naegleria visit the CDC. However, you'll enjoy it more if you stick with these articles:
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Image: Jason Antony
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