As summer heats up and temperatures rise, so does the lure of the water. While popular water activities such as boating, skiing, swimming, and diving provide ample opportunity for fun, a hidden danger lurks. The naegleria fowleri amoeba is often found in warm freshwater lakes, rivers and canals, and can also be found in pools, water parks, and fountains that aren’t properly treated. This deadly amoeba attacks the brain when water enters the nose, and is usually fatal within 12 days. It most often affects children and is more common in males. Although it is unclear why this is, it is likely because children, particularly boys, engage more often in water activities that can result in water entering the nose.
Where do you find the naegleria fowleri amoeba?
The amoeba is usually found in warm fresh water and is more common in the southern United States, where water temperatures tend to be warmer throughout the year, providing the right conditions for the amoeba to thrive. The amoeba lives in the water and surrounding sediment and is present in nearly every freshwater lake, river, canal and pond when the water temperature reaches 79 degrees. It can also live in puddles, mud pits, standing water or slow-moving streams and rivers. Over half of all known infections in the United States have occurred in Florida and Texas, and most occur between July and September.
The amoeba can also be found in inflatable pools and water slides, splash fountains, and sprinklers. Although less common, it can also live in swimming pools and at water parks if the water is not properly chlorinated or disinfected. Infections have been traced to:
- Splash fountains
- Lakes
- A backyard inflatable pool
- A whitewater rafting facility
- Neti pots using untreated tap water
What danger does the naegleria fowleri amoeba pose?
The naegleria fowleri amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain. It quickly destroys brain tissue, which is why it is often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba”. It causes a disease known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Although there are fewer than 10 known cases each year in the United States, the condition has a 97% fatality rate, usually causing death within 12 days of exposure to the amoeba.
What symptoms do you have with the naegleria fowleri amoeba?
Initial symptoms usually begin 4-7 days after exposure and may include headache, fever, runny nose, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may progress rapidly to sore neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations. The real danger is that initial symptoms often appear consistent with cold or flu, prompting little cause for serious concern. By the time more alarming symptoms appear, it’s too late.
How can I reduce the risk of exposure to the naegleria fowleri amoeba?
While the safest option is to avoid activities in warm freshwater, if you or your children plan to be in warm freshwater this summer, you can take some precautions to reduce the risk of exposure:
- Wear nose plugs to reduce the risk of water entering the nose
- Avoid splashing, diving, spraying or anything else that can force water up the nose
- Avoid submerging your head, keeping it above water as much as possible
- If you get water in your nose, flush it out immediately
- Recognize the symptoms. If you observe any headache, fever, runny nose, sore throat or nausea within a week after being in the water, seek immediate medical attention.
- If playing in a splash fountain, avoid letting the water shoot up directly toward your face.
- If playing with water guns, water balloons, or similar toys, aim them away from others’ faces.
How can Romano Law Group help you?
At Romano Law Group, we have represented families who have lost loved ones after exposure to the naegleria fowleri amoeba. In providing this information, our aim is to help educate people about this danger in the hope that others will take precautions to minimize their risk. If a loved one has died as a result of exposure to the naegleria fowleri amoeba, you may have a claim. An attorney can help you make this determination after discussing the facts and circumstances surrounding the tragic event. Calling an attorney who devotes his or her practice to premises liability and wrongful death claims is essential.
Authored by Eric Romano
