news.yahoo.com/.../swimming_disease_dc_1
Swimming-related brain disease claims lives
May 29, 2008
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In 2007, six people from southern states died from a rare brain infection that can occur after swimming in warm lakes and rivers, according to findings released Thursday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, but nearly always fatal disease caused by the ameba Naegleria fowleri, investigators from the CDC and the states where the infections occurred note. The microbe enters the brain through the nose and the infection causes various symptoms, including headache, neck stiffness, nausea, and vomiting.....
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Not a new disease. I remember hearing about it when I lived in Florida 20+ years ago. It's caused by bacteria that are common on the bottom of the water somehow making their way to the surface.
Also, the disease, as noted in the article, is fatal to young people. I also seem to remember that the bacteria makes its way into the nostril. Lots of people get the bacteria. Most adults suffer no ill effects. But for a few really unlucky kids - they're dead in a day.
I didn't have kids, but I remember thinking at the time that if I did, there's no way I'd let them swim in fresh water. But as far as dangerous southern things, you're probably more likely to die from an allergic reaction to a fire ant bite.
Not a new disease. I remember hearing about it when I lived in Florida 20+ years ago. It's caused by bacteria that are common on the bottom of the water somehow making their way to the surface.
Also, the disease, as noted in the article, is fatal to young people. I also seem to remember that the bacteria makes its way into the nostril. Lots of people get the bacteria. Most adults suffer no ill effects. But for a few really unlucky kids - they're dead in a day.
I didn't have kids, but I remember thinking at the time that if I did, there's no way I'd let them swim in fresh water. But as far as dangerous southern things, you're probably more likely to die from an allergic reaction to a fire ant bite.
