Toddler Dies After Contracting Brain-Eating Amoeba in Nevada
Last week, a tragic incident occurred in Nevada where a two-year-old boy lost his life after contracting a deadly infection from contaminated water. Woodrow Turner Bundy, a beloved member of his family, is believed to have contracted the Naegleria fowleri amoeba, commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, while on vacation.
The entire community has been deeply moved by this heartbreaking incident, and authorities have launched an investigation into the matter. The Police, Prosecutor’s Office, and Family Department are joining forces to determine the cause of Woodrow’s infection and to prevent any such incidents in the future.
According to a statement released by the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health, the toddler may have contracted the bacteria while swimming in Ash Springs, a natural hot spring located in Lincoln County, Nevada. Woodrow’s mother, Briana Bundy, recalled that her son initially showed symptoms similar to the flu, prompting her to seek medical attention. Doctors suspected meningitis, but upon further examination, they confirmed that the young boy had been infected by the brain-eating amoeba.
The family went through an arduous battle for a week, but tragically, Woodrow passed away on Friday, July 21. Confirming the devastating news on Facebook, Briana expressed her gratitude for having had the opportunity to be the mother of such an incredible child and for the hope of reuniting with him in heaven one day.
The Naegleria fowleri amoeba is a parasitic organism that enters the body through the nose during water activities. Once the amoeba reaches the brain, it causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a severe condition that leads to brain tissue destruction and inflammation. Shockingly, the mortality rate for individuals who contract this bacteria stands at a staggering 97%.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that out of 157 recorded cases in the United States between 1962 and 2022, only four have survived. Briana Bundy also shared on social media that the CDC denied Woodrow medication due to the advanced stage of the infection.
Before the child’s passing, Briana mentioned that Woodrow showed no signs of brain activity. Although additional tests are still being conducted, the dreadful outcome was unfortunately unavoidable.
The Naegleria fowleri amoeba thrives in freshwater environments with warm temperatures, such as lakes, rivers, and poorly maintained swimming pools. It does not survive in saltwater and is not contagious through person-to-person contact. Experts have expressed concerns that with the increasing temperatures caused by global warming, the incidence of amoeba infections is expected to rise.
This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety and raises awareness about the potential dangers lurking in untreated recreational waters. Authorities and health organizations must intensify efforts to inform the public about the risks associated with these types of infections and promote preventive measures to safeguard our communities.
In an unrelated incident, US authorities have reported the tragic death of a 12-year-old boy due to a gunshot wound in Boston.