A brain-eating warning was released by the Florida Health Department after 12-year old Zachary Reyna was rushed to ICU and underwent brain surgery after contracting primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
The brain-eating warning is once again raised after the active 12-year old was knee boarding in a ditch filled with water accompanied by his friends last August 3. According to his mother, Zachary slept the entire next day, which according to her was very unlikely of the active child. Feeling something was wrong, his mother rushed the 7th grader to the hospital. According to doctors, the boy's brain was invaded by the infamous Naegleria fowleri- a parasitic worm that breeds in high-temperature and low level waters.
"This infection is one of the most severe infections that we know of. Ninety-nine percent of people who get it die.", doctors say. The Naegleria fowleri is known to enter the brain through the nose. If water with the same amoeba is drank, no dangers are imposed. Experts advise the public with the brain-eating warning: "to be wary when swimming, jumping or diving in freshwater." Even after the brain surgery, Zachary is still under serious condition.
Just this summer, another 12-year old named Kali Hardig contracted the same infection but the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention managed to treat the girl- making her only the 3rd person to survive in the last 50 years. While Kali is still recovering but is displaying positive results, the CDC has gotten in touch with the doctors of Zachary in hopes of healing the boy as well.
"We continue to be amazed by Kali's progress," her family states Thursday. "Today she's able to sit up on her own, write some words on a white board and stand with assistance for very brief stretches. She's even able to throw and catch a ball with her therapists. We are grateful for the continued prayers from Kali's supporters, which no doubt drive her recovery."
Now, Zachary's family is equally hopeful. His brother expresses, "He's strong. He's really, really strong."
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