Argentina investigates death of 10-year-old boy from brain-eating amoeba infection

Health authorities in Catamarca, Argentina, have launched an investigation after a 10-year-old boy from the town of Fiambalá died from primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a rare infection associated with the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”

Local media reported the death on October 19. The diagnosis was confirmed by Argentina’s National Reference Laboratory, ANLIS-Malbrán, through a PCR test performed on a cerebrospinal fluid sample. The child had been hospitalized locally, where infectious disease specialists suspected the illness.

Health teams are investigating possible exposures during the 12 days before the onset of symptoms. They have collected water and surface samples from locations identified by relatives and people close to the child.

Investigators are examining several possible sources, including hot springs and other environments containing warm or hot freshwater. Testing is ongoing, and authorities have not confirmed where the infection originated.

As a precaution, the municipality of Fiambalá suspended activities at its local thermal complex. However, the facility had already been closed for renovation work.

The Catamarca Medical Association cautioned against attributing the infection to a particular hot spring without sufficient evidence. Authorities have also not confirmed that the child contracted the infection at a bathing facility or through contact with irrigation water.

What to know about the brain-eating amoeba

Naegleria fowleri can enter the body through the nose and reach the central nervous system. The infection is not transmitted from person to person and does not occur through drinking contaminated water.

The Catamarca Medical Association recommended avoiding submerging the head in natural hot spring water. It also advised using sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water for nasal irrigation.

Symptoms can include fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, and the illness can progress rapidly, causing serious neurological complications.

The investigation remains ongoing as health authorities work to determine the possible source of the infection.