Swim with the Amoebae

Recent newspaper and television reports have advised of the deaths of at least two Central Florida youths from exposure to the acquatic amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. The purpose of this article is to assess the risk of infection from this nasty little organism and how to reduce the chance of exposure to it. Indeed, are our lakes safe for swimming?

To put the matter into perspective, let�s look at a few facts provided by the September, 2002 issue of LAKEWATCH, a newsletter published by the University of Florida Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences:

Over the past 30 years, there have been 34 recorded deaths in the United States attributed to Naegleria fowleri. These are far fewer deaths than those due to drowning and boating accidents and one�s chances of Naegleria infection are slim.

But one can reduce or even prevent exposure to the organism by observing one rule: Avoid stirring up bottom sediments where the amobae live & feed on rotting leaves & dead plants. Young swimmers, it seems, engage in the type of boisterous diving and bottom swimming behavior that is consistent with Naegleria infection. Accordingly, that is the type activity to avoid. Too, one would be wise to wear ear plugs and nose clips to protect the primary sites of entry of the organism into the brain where it can cause encephalitis.

Persons complaining of severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting or demonstrating fever and who have been swimming in a fresh water lake or river, should be taken to a hospital immediately for prompt antibiotic treatment.

Do we have harmful amoebae in our local lakes? Almost certainly. Naegleria fowleri is thought to exist in every lake and river worldwide except antarctica. It would be a waste of time to test for Nagleria fowleri�s presence in our lakes. It may be assumed to be there.

Those of us who are given to caution will choose to avoid freshwater swimming altogether. But remember the risks of infection are very low to begin with, and with some caution, one may swim with the amoebae.

Discaimer from my lawyer: Coloroform bacteria, gators, monsters, Big Foot, sewer snoids, and other potentially harmful microorganisms also inhabit Central Florida lakes. Swimming, like waking each morning, incurs some risks.