“Florida heatwave increases risk of brain-eating amoeba”

As temperatures climb, the Florida Department of Health in Orange and Seminole counties is warning families to take precautions while swimming in warm freshwater lakes and ponds because of the increased threat posed by the braining-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri.

Wait, what?

Naegleria fowleri is a naturally occurring amoeba that can be found in any body of fresh water such as lakes, rivers, hot springs, and poorly maintained and minimally chlorinated or un-chlorinated swimming pools. It can cause an infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis by traveling up the nose to the brain and spinal cord.

“Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods, causing higher water temperatures and lower water levels,” said Dr. Swannie Jett of the Department of Health in Seminole County.

Although infections are rare, most prove fatal. Seek medical care immediately if you develop a sudden onset of fever, headache, stiff neck and vomiting, especially if you have been in warm fresh water within the previous two weeks.

OK, I was just asking Mindy in the car yesterday, while driving over one of the many small lakes in the Orlando area, how come we never see anyone swimming in them? It was my impression that in places like Minnesota and Wisconsin, using these lakes for recreation was common. (When I first looked at map of Orlando before interviewing for my job a few months back,  my initial reaction was that it looked like Minneapolis.)

But now I know why. We will stick to our heavily-chlorinated swimming pool or the Atlantic Ocean.