Tragic Death of 16-Month-Old Boy in Little Rock from Brain-Eating Amoeba
Last week, a 16-month-old boy from Little Rock tragically passed away from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, an infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, according to the Pulaski County coroner. The Arkansas Department of Health also confirmed the news, stating that an Arkansas resident had died from an infection caused by the amoeba.
The department explained in a news release that the individual was likely exposed to the amoeba while playing in a splash pad at the Country Club of Little Rock. The child, Michael Alexander Pollock III, was pronounced dead on September 4th at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Michael’s obituary, published in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, highlighted the impact he had on his loved ones and even strangers with his infectious smile and playful nature.
In response to the incident, the Health Department sent samples from the pool and splash pad to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further analysis. Although the CDC confirmed traces of Naegleria fowleri in one of the samples from the splash pad, they are still awaiting results from the remaining samples.
The Pollock family is currently out of state, according to a person who answered the door at their household. The Country Club of Little Rock’s general manager, Blaine Burgess, has not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.
Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm, low-level fresh water and is commonly found in rivers, lakes, and streams. Inadequately chlorinated pools and splash pads can also harbor the amoeba. Infection through the ingestion of contaminated water is not possible; instead, the amoeba must be inhaled through the nose to reach the brain.
Instances of Naegleria fowleri infections are rare, with only about three cases reported annually in the United States. The mortality rate of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by the amoeba stands at 97%.
Arkansas previously experienced a case of infection from Naegleria fowleri in 2013 when twelve-year-old Kali Hardig contracted the amoeba after visiting Willow Springs Water Park. Luckily, Hardig survived, but the incident led to the water park’s closure. The most recent case before the Little Rock incident occurred just seven weeks ago in Georgia, and the victim did not survive.
Across the country, cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis are primarily reported during the summer months. From 1962 to date, 152 cases have been reported in the United States, with the highest numbers in Texas (39) and Florida (37).
Symptoms of infection typically begin with severe headache, fever, and nausea, progressing to a stiff neck, seizures, and possibly coma, ultimately leading to death. The incubation period can range from one to twelve days.
This unfortunate incident has once again raised concerns about the safety and regulation of recreational water facilities, as well as the need for increased public awareness and preventive measures regarding the potential risks posed by brain-eating amoebas.