It might be difficult to pronounce, but it’s easy to die from it.
It’s Naegleria fowleri, a killer amoeba that can be found in lakes, rivers and ponds during warmer temperatures.
Although there is only 34 reported cases of infection from this amoeba in the state since 1962, the Florida Department of Health is cautioning those who swim in places where the amoeba can be found to avoid nasal contact with the waters.
Otherwise those exposed to the amoeba risk primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a disease which usually leads to death once infected.
Health officials recommend the following:
• Avoid water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs, and thermally polluted water such as those found around power plants.
• Avoid water-related activities warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.
• Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when taking part in water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers or hot springs.
• Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
• Exposure to the amoeba can also occur when using neti pots to rinse sinuses or conducting religious rituals with tap water. Use only boiled and cooled, distilled or sterile water.
Symptoms of exposure include headache, fever, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, loss of balance and hallucinations. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms after swimming in any warm body of water should seek immediate medical help.
