Catamarca death confirmed caused by Naegleria fowleri ameba

Health authorities in Catamarca, Argentina, have confirmed the death of a 10-year-old child due to an infection by Naegleria fowleri, a microorganism commonly known as the “brain-eating ameba.” The diagnosis was finalized by the ANLIS-Malbrán Institute following PCR testing of samples taken at the Hospital Interzonal de Niños “Eva Perón.”

The infection occurs when contaminated water enters the body through the nasal passages, typically during activities like diving or swimming. Once inside, the parasite travels via the olfactory nerve to the central nervous system, causing rapid tissue destruction and severe inflammation. Symptoms often include intense fever, headache, nausea, and vomiting, which can quickly progress to confusion, delirium, and coma.

In response to the incident, the Municipality of Fiambalá has temporarily closed the local Thermal Complex while epidemiological teams collect water samples to determine the source of exposure. While experts describe this as an isolated event—noting it is only the second documented case in Argentina since 2017—the incident has raised concerns regarding the risks of stagnant or inadequately chlorinated warm freshwater bodies.