L & R: Trophozoites of N. fowleri in brain tissue, stained with H&E. Center: Ameboflagellate trophozoite of N. fowleri. Credit: DPDx
#8760
A reminder that later today (June 19th) at 2pm EDT, the CDC will conduct an online COCA call on two important waterborne pathogens; Naegleria Fowleri – which, while rare, can cause an almost always fatal brain infection - and Cryptosporidium.
This call is particularly important for clinicians, as last year, for the first time – two children who received an investigational drug called miltefosine - survived. (see MMWR: CDC Imports Investigational Drug For Amoebic Infections).
But to be effective, this infection must be recognized early, and treatment initiated as soon a possible. Hence the need to get the world out to clinicians on this important development.
Date:Thursday, June 19, 2014
Time:2:00 – 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)
Dial:888-233-9077 (U.S. Callers)
773-799-3915 (International Callers)Passcode:4972213
Webinar:https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW2017964&p=4972213&t=c
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Cope, MD, MPH
Medical Epidemiologist
Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases ─ CDCMichele Hlavsa, RN, MPH
Epidemiologist
Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases ─ CDCOverview
Swimming and other water-related activities are popular during the summer. However, Naegleria fowleri, known as the brain-eating ameba, may be present in warm freshwater and can result in primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) – a rare disease that is almost always fatal. Additionally, the chlorine-tolerant parasite Cryptosporidium, is one of the most frequent causes of waterborne disease among humans in the United States. During this COCA call, clinicians will learn about PAM and diarrhea resulting from Cryptosporidium, how to prevent these diseases, and what to do if you suspect your patient has one of them.
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For some of my earlier blogs on Naegleria Fowleri, you may wish to check out:
Naegleria Fowleri: Rare, Deadly & Avoidable
Louisiana: St. Bernard Parish Water Supply Tests Positive For Naegleria Fowleri
And for more on Cryptosporidium, you may wish to revisit these blogs:
