Killer in the Lake -- Amoeba Called Naegleria

According to CNN, "something in the lakes around Orlando, Florida, has claimed the lives of three boys this summer." This thing is just there. It's lurking like some deadly thing in the water which can take our children's lives and we all have to be aware," said Orange County Health Department Director Dr. Kevin Sherin." See the video.

WSJ Health Blog has an informative post on the subject: A Deadly Amoeba Lurks in Florida.

Naegleria fowleri is a free living amoeba typically found in warm fresh water. It can can cause Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM or PAME) in humans characterized by rapid onset of coma and death.

Currently, there is no consistently effective treatment. Swimming in or jumping into fresh water is best avoided. Chlorinated swimming pools are safe from the perspective of contracting PAM.

References:
Deadly amoeba lurks in Florida lakes. CNN.
6 Die From Brain-Eating Amoeba in Lakes. Associated Press, 09/2007.
Image source: Wikipedia, public domain.

Related:
Brain-Eating Amoeba Strikes in Summer. WebMD, 05/2008.

Updated: 05/28/2008