11-Year-Old Dies After Swim
In August, Will Sellars, 11, died after contracting amoebic encephalitis, or acute swelling of the brainHealth officials said that there is an increased risk of infection by the organism in all freshwater areas throughout Florida, especially during summer months when the water temperature exceeds 80 degrees.Water sports or activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, swimming or diving puts people at a greater risk, officials said.Health officials are urging residents to take precautions.
Wear nose clips or hold your nose when swimming, jumping or diving in any fresh water -- Closed nostrils reduce your risk of infection by amoebic encephalitis, a rare but life-threatening condition.
Do not swim in warm standing water, such as ponds, lakes, storm water retention areas or in areas posted "No Swimming" -- Bacteria and other harmful organisms thrive in warm, standing water. Seek prompt medical attention if you become ill after swimming in freshwater.
Avoid areas with obvious algal blooms -- Contact may cause skin rash, runny nose and burning eyes.
Every year health experts issue warnings to educate the public about the amoeba that thrives in all fresh water bodies when the water temperature rises. Naegleria is a microscopic amoeba most commonly found in the upper layer of sediment in the bottom of lakes and ponds with mud floors.Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and hallucinations.The amoeba invades the brain and the disease progresses rapidly, usually resulting in death within three to seven days.The infection cannot be spread from person to person or contracted from a properly maintained swimming pool.
As in the days of Noah....