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THE BAJA POST
NEWSROOM
Given the rising temperatures in the region, the Baja California Health Secretariat is carrying out operations to prevent damage caused by Free-Living Amoeba (DLA), with an emphasis on rural or peripheral areas, where there is a risk due to canals and wells, which in hot climates contribute to the emergence of this microorganism.
Health Prevention Brigades installed warning materials for the population in various canals, wells, and drains in the Mexicali Valley, in the communal land areas with the highest influx of people to these sites
The State Health Secretary, Adrián Medina Amarillas, reported that the amoeba responsible for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, which can enter the body through the nasal passages. Once inside, it travels to the brain, where it causes this disease, even in healthy people, and can be fatal.
“We know that in the summer, some people have the habit of going to these canals or wells to socialize or cool off. However, it is very important to understand the risk to health and life of swimming in them. Therefore, every year we call on everyone to avoid this practice and take care of children,” he expressed.
Given the rising temperatures in the region, the Baja California Health Secretariat is carrying out operations to prevent damage caused by Free-Living Amoeba (DLA), with an emphasis on rural or peripheral areas, where there is a risk due to canals and wells, which in hot climates contribute to the emergence of this microorganism.
The State Health Secretary, Adrián Medina Amarillas, reported that the amoeba responsible for Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis is an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, which can enter the body through the nasal passages. Once inside, it travels to the brain, where it causes this disease, even in healthy people, and can be fatal.
“We know that in the summer, some people have the habit of going to these canals or wells to socialize or cool off. However, it is very important to understand the risk to health and life of swimming in them. Therefore, every year we call on everyone to avoid this practice and take care of children,” he expressed.
Health Prevention Brigades installed warning materials for the population in various canals, wells, and drains in the Mexicali Valley, in the communal land areas with the highest influx of people to these sites.
Medina Amarillas indicated that the danger arises from activities such as swimming, diving, or submerging in wells, canals, and pools that are not properly cleaned and disinfected. The main symptoms of meningitis include severe headache, fever greater than 39°C, general weakness, projectile vomiting, stiff neck, mental disturbances, seizures, and, in severe cases, coma.
Therefore, he reiterated the importance of avoiding recreational use of canals and wells, as well as chlorinating commonly used water in rural areas that require it.
Finally, the Secretary of Health emphasized that, if any of the aforementioned symptoms appear, it is essential to immediately go to the nearest Health Unit to receive timely medical attention.
He reported that prevention measures will be reinforced throughout the summer season to ensure the state remains free of cases of meningitis caused by the Free-Living Amoeba.
