Amoebas in Lakes

very summer, questions It’s important to note that Esurface about an aquatic swimmers who have contracted amoeba (Naegleria fowleri) PAM usually got it after rooting with a bad reputation. This around the lake bottom, in organism is part of the larger heavy silt where the amoeba protozoa group mentioned on lives. Therefore, keeping page 2. Over the past 30 years, one’s face away from the there have been 34 deaths bottom of a lake, river, canal, recorded in the United States etc. and keeping swimmers due to exposure to this nasty from jumping off a dock into little organism. Fifteen of the shallow water—or any other deaths occurred in Florida. scenario that would result in Fortunately, the chances of the disruption of bottom coming in contact with sediments—will significantly Naegleria, or contracting the reduce the risk of exposure to resulting illness (Primary Naegleria. Young children are

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Amoebic Meningoencephalitis— a at the highest risk of exposure

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PAM, for short) are quite slim. e as they tend to engage in

o In Florida, health officials J such activities. estimate that there is only one case for every 2.5 Everyone can be further protected by wearing ear million hours that people spend in freshwater. Drown- plugs and a nose clip (or a dive mask that covers the ing and boating accidents pose a much greater threat nose) when swimming. Remember, exposure to to our state’s water enthusiasts. With that said, there bottom sediments is the single MOST important are a few precautions swimmers can take to decrease factor that increases chances for infection. their chances of exposure even more. During most of the year, concentrations of The first thing you should know is that, with the Naegleria are rarely high enough to cause public exception of Antarctica, this amoeba is believed to health problems. However, as water temperatures exist in virtually every lake and river around the rise during the summer (82-86 degrees Farenheit), it world. It is also found in spas, hot tubs, thermally provides a more accommodating environment for the enriched waters and poorly chlorinated swimming amoeba to feed and multiply. So, if possible, avoid pools. So, if you’re thinking of simply avoiding these swimming in warm shallow waters during this time. aquatic environments, you might get a little lonely. Diagnosis So, How Does One Avoid the Amoeba? Early diagnosis is the best bet for survival. In the The best way to prevent exposure to Naegleria is to two known cases where patients survived infection avoid stirring up bottom sediments, as this is where the from Naegleria, the family doctor recognized the amoeba lives and feeds on bottom sediments composed symptoms immediately and was quick to react with of fallen leaves and dead plants. Once sediments are appropriate antibiotics. Persons who complain of mixed into the water column, the amoeba could be severe headaches, rigidity of the neck, impaired forced up the nose of a swimmer who jumps or falls sense of smell and taste, nausea, vomiting and/or a into the water. This increases the chance for it to high fever, and who have been swimming in a lake enter into an ear or nasal passage where it can should be taken to a doctor. If the treatment is going follow the olfactory nerve and gain entry into the to be effective, it needs to be administered quickly. brain, where it has been known to cause problems. Note: You cannot get PAM by eating fish from a lake.

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