A rare and dangerous microorganism known as the 'brain-eating amoeba' has been detected in two drinking water supplies in south-west Queensland, Australia. The affected towns are Augathella and Charleville, located about 750 kilometres west of Brisbane.
The amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, was found during water sample analysis commissioned by Queensland Health. It was detected in the water systems of two health facilities, one in each town, as well as in the incoming town water supply at both facilities. The Murweh Shire Council issued a health notice on August 7 warning residents and visitors.
Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic organism found worldwide in warm freshwater, typically between 25 and 40°C. It causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, a severe brain infection that is nearly always fatal. Symptoms include headache, fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, and seizures, with death often occurring about five days after symptoms begin.
Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to travel to the brain via the olfactory nerve. Most cases involve children and young people, particularly males, with an average age of 14. However, infections are extremely rare; globally, only 381 cases were reported up to 2018, with 22 in Australia.
Health officials stress that drinking contaminated water does not cause infection. Risks arise from activities like bathing, showering, or using nasal rinses with untreated water. Residents are advised to avoid getting water up their noses and to use sterile saline for nasal flushing. The source of the contamination is under investigation.
