"If we conduct pathogen testing through cerebrospinal fluid, it will take some time, and the results might not be accurate."

Upon hearing Zhao Heng's words, Liu Ziang frowned and said.

The most critical thing now is to determine whether the patient in front of us is infected with Naegleria fowleri, or Brain-Eating Amoeba.

If it truly is this terrifying parasite, then it's not just about this one patient.

Once the patient is confirmed to be infected with Naegleria fowleri, it would indicate that the water body the patient had been in contact with is likely a breeding ground for Naegleria fowleri. In that case, it may not be just him who got infected.

You have to understand, the reason why the mortality rate of patients infected with Naegleria fowleri worldwide has reached such a horrifying level of 97% is that once symptoms start to appear, such as headaches, fever, and vomiting — signs of brain edema — it already indicates that Naegleria fowleri has parasitized the brain tissue and reproduced to a level sufficient to cause the disease.

The 3% of patients who survived were because the attending doctors happened to have rare experiences and performed targeted treatment very early. As a result, the lives were saved, but the patients were left with severe brain function impairment sequelae, including memory decline, language function, and motor skill impairments.

"Right now, the most critical thing is to make a confirmed diagnosis and then submit a report to the Infectious Disease Prevention Center to screen all tourists who may have been in contact with the breeding waters of Naegleria fowleri."

Zhao Heng said with a very grave expression. This isn't just about one patient anymore; it's already concerning a sudden public health crisis.

In recent years, Jeju Island has been a popular tourist destination, and since the beginning of this year, the highest daily tourist reception has reached 41,000 people.

If this patient was infected with Naegleria fowleri in public waters, it's hard to imagine how many people might be infected with this deadly parasite with a 97% mortality rate.

The severity of this situation is enough to make one shiver with dread just thinking about it.

"If we want both speed and accuracy, then we can only perform a minimally invasive tissue biopsy."

Liu Ziang thought for a moment and said.

The tissue biopsy, which means taking brain tissue directly for pathogen screening and testing, is a last resort, a method of last resort.

Although both he and Zhao Heng have excellent skills and would not damage the brain tissue during the minimally invasive biopsy, from an operational standpoint, starting with such a method is not standard practice.

Moreover, whether the patient's family can accept this testing method is still an unknown.

"Senior, please report to the hospital committee, and I'll go communicate with the patient's family."

Zhao Heng thought it over and said to Liu Ziang.

The situation is urgent, and they have no choice but to split up and take action.

Currently, there are over hundreds of thousands of tourists on Jeju Island. If this patient is confirmed with Naegleria fowleri, it means that a public water body on the island harbors a deadly parasite with a 97% mortality rate, and everyone on the island is at risk of exposure to this deadly parasite.

In such a case, the first thing to do is launch a round of pathogen screening throughout the island.

Most crucially, this event will have a devastating impact on Jeju Island's tourism industry.

The implications of this are enough to make one's scalp tingle just thinking about them.

Just think about it, a tourist destination with a daily capacity of 41,000 visitors, the economic stakes involved are enormous.

"Okay, I'll go right away."

Liu Ziang nodded. The matter is of grave importance and action must be taken immediately.

But the best thing is that this parasite can only infect humans through direct contact in water. So, unless someone had close contact with this patient, there's no risk of infection.

Liu Ziang left the office to report the current situation to the hospital committee, and Zhao Heng went to the ward to find the boy's family, who was now in a sedated state — that is, the boy's girlfriend.

At this moment, the girl was much calmer than before. Her boyfriend's previous state of hysteria had really frightened her.

Seeing Zhao Heng approaching, the girl couldn't wait to ask, "Doctor, what's wrong with him? What illness does he have?"

"Currently, we suspect he is infected with a deadly parasite called Naegleria fowleri, which has parasitized the brain. However, further tests are required."

Zhao Heng organized his words and said.

If it were other patient relatives, he wouldn't speak so directly and would give them some time to adjust, but given the urgency of the situation, he had to be honest.

"Ah?! Parasite?"

Upon hearing Zhao Heng's words, the girl almost fainted. The thought of parasites in the brain gave her goosebumps all over, making her feel weak all over.

Girls are naturally afraid of bugs, let alone those that parasitize the brain.

"Yes, from his current symptoms and imaging results, there is a high probability."

Zhao Heng nodded and said.

"Am I infected with this parasite too?"

The girl said with a pale face, as if realizing something.

"You've been with him the whole time. If you were infected, given the parasite's incubation period, you wouldn't be symptom-free. So the likelihood of your infection is small, but we must check nonetheless."

Zhao Heng reassured the girl.

Even in waters with Naegleria fowleri, not everyone will be infected, and certain conditions must be met for infection to occur.

"Okay, okay, doctor, please check me quickly."

The girl hurriedly said.

Infectious diseases can cause great panic, especially parasites that nest in the brain, with a mortality rate so high.

The fact that the girl was able to speak and think normally was already a testament to her strong psychological resilience.

"You'll undergo a check soon. Now, to quickly confirm the diagnosis, we need to perform an invasive brain tissue biopsy on the patient, which requires your consent."

Zhao Heng further explained.

"Doctor, I'm just his girlfriend; is my consent enough?"

The girl suddenly thought of something and asked with some confusion.

"In the absence of family, as his girlfriend, you can sign. This is an emergency."

Zhao Heng nodded and said.

"Then I consent, doctor."

The girl hesitated slightly after Zhao Heng's words, then nodded.

Right now, saving his life takes precedence. As for explaining to the boyfriend's parents, that will have to wait until they arrive.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.