Brain-Eating Warning Issued In Florida Over Deadly Amoeba

A “brain-eating warning” issued in Florida about a potentially deadly amoeba has urged residents to exercise care during certain high risk activities.

The brain-eating warning involves Naegleria fowleri, an amoeba that has been wreaking havoc in recent years for swimmers and neti pot users.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the brain-eating warning follows a confirmed infection by the DOH in Glades County. The dangerous amoeba can cause “a rare infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM),” which is nearly always fatal.

The brain-eating amoeba is linked with an increase in temperatures, particularly from July through September. Dr. Carina Blackmore, Interim State Epidemiologist, explains that the risk of infection is small but serious and potentially deadly:

“The effects of PAM on the individuals who contract the amoeba are tragic… We want to remind Floridians to be wary when swimming, jumping or diving in fresh water when water temperatures are high and water levels are low. If you are partaking in recreational swimming activities during this time, please take necessary precautions and remind your family and friends to do the same.”

While the brain-eating warning sounds severe, the Florida DOH reminds residents that only 28 infections linked to the amoeba were reported in the US between 2003 to 2012.

Recreational swimming in fresh water was linked to the cases of PAM reported to the CDC, and salt water carries no risk of the infection.

The DOH explains that early symptoms of PAM “usually start within one to seven days after infection and may include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting [but can] include stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations.”

You can read the brain-eating warning in full over on the Florida DOH website. [PDF]