We may be a couple of months away from the official start of summer, but nevertheless, you may want to have second thoughts about swimming in the lake -- especially at this time of year.
As if it came right out of a monster movie -- the reemergence a rare and deadly virus is a cause for concern.
Naegleria Fowleri, otherwise known as the "Brain-Eating Parasite", has made it's presence known through-out the southern states, taking the lives of three people in 2015 alone. "Naegleria" is a term for a single-celled amoeba that is commonly found in warm freshwater; such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. Infection from this little critter generally occurs in the summer months, and is almost always fatal.
Infection from Naegleria will cause Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), otherwise known as brain deterioration, within a span of 1-7 days. Specifically speaking, Naegleria attacks the brain, destroying brain tissue, which causes brain swelling and death. Unfortunately, the host of this virus will generally die within five days after contracting the pathogen. Initial symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Advanced symptoms such as stiff neck or seizures occur a few days after being exposed.
Humans become infected if water containing Naegleria enters the body through the nose. Of course, this commonly occurs when swimming and diving in warm freshwater locations. Infection with the disease is most associated with diving or jumping head first into infected waters, or other activities that involve submergence of the head, which could allow the virus to enter through the nasal cavities.
Thankfully, infection is generally more common in southern states than it would be here in New York. But the risk is still there -- although uncommon, it's still possible to be exposed if you don't take proper measures for prevention. This is even more relevant if you plan on traveling to the south, or other states that hold higher risk of infection from their freshwater sources.
Although it isn't common knowledge, Naegleria Fowleri is actually isn't all that rare -- and it should be assumed that it's present, in some form, in most freshwater locations across the United States.
Our very own Lake Ontario generally meets the criteria for Naegleria Fowleri, and although there have been no reported infections from the disease here, it's always good to take proper precautions.
You can reduce your risk of infection by limiting the amount of water-related activities you're involved with, or limit the amount of freshwater going up the nose.
Happy swimming!
