On the Saturday, July 27 airing of Dispatch Radio, Dr. Jennifer Cope, Medical Epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) spoke to Dispatch Radio co-host, Robert Herriman, MPH, M(ASCP) about the deadly, waterborne ameba, Naegleria fowleri.

During the interview, Dr. Cope gave a brief introduction to the “brain-eating ameba, answered why it occurs mostly in the summer months, how people contract the parasite including discussing the issue with neti pots.

She told the radio audience about possible new, better and less toxic treatments in the drug pipeline.

In addition, Dr. Cope provided advice for people if they go to the emergency department with symptoms resembling bacterial meningitis and a history of swimming in warm, fresh water.

The interview was wrapped up with Dr. Cope’s advice for parents on steps they can take to help prevent this deadly, albeit rare, amebic infection.

I also briefly reminded the radio show audience that there was currently a case of parasitic meningitis reported and confirmed in Arkansas.

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