Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, 2013

During 2012, 1 fatal case of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in an elementary school aged child was reported. The disease is caused by the ameba Naegleria fowleri, a warm waterloving ameba found around the world, often in warm freshwater. Persons are infected when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose. The only previously confirmed case of PAM in Minnesota was reported in 2010. These two cases are the northern most cases by several hundred miles ever reported in the United States.

• For up to date information see>> Recreational Water Illnesses
  
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2013