Amoeba Threat In Orange/Polk Counties, Florida

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/9/20/amoeba_threat_issued_in_orange_county.html

Amoeba Threat Issued In Orange County
Monday, September 21, 2009 6:23:55 AM


ORLANDO -- The Orange County Health Department is warning people to take precautions while swimming or water skiing in freshwater lakes and ponds because of an amoeba threat.

The Health Department is investigating an amoebic encephalitis case in a 22-year-old man, who was hospitalized after spending a lot of time in the water.

The amoeba in question is common in any body of fresh water, like lakes and rivers. It can also be found in poorly maintained or un-chlorinated swimming pools.

The amoeba can cause an infection by traveling up the nose to the brain and spinal cord.

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Amoeba Threat In Orange/Polk Counties, Florida

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/polk-child-dies-of-infection-after-swimming-in-lake/1039935

Polk child dies of infection after swimming in lake

By Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Sep 28, 2009 05:19 PM

A 10-year-old died last month of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis after swimming in Auburndale's Lake Arietta, the Polk County Health Department said Monday.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to this child's family," said Dr. Daniel Haight, Health Department director.

A deadly amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, lurks in lakes, rivers, hot springs and poorly-maintained swimming pools. It travels up the nose and infects the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms start 1 to 14 days after infection and include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and hallucinations, the Health Department said in a news release.

The threat of infection, although very rare, increases especially during the hot summer months.