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SPREAD THE AWARENESS

Devastated Parents Warn Swimmers About Brain-Eating Virus When Daughter Dies  After Swimming In Lake.  June 2018

Parents of woman killed by a "Brain Eating Amoeba" is on a mission to bring awareness of Naegleria fowleri.

Health officials: Oklahoman dies from amoeba after swimming in lake

by: KFOR-TV and K. Querry

Posted: Aug 12, 2015 / 02:35 PM CDT

Updated: Aug 12, 2015 / 03:17 PM CDT

Jordan Smelski Foundation for Amoeba Awareness

Interview with the Lewis family discussing the loss of their son to Naegleria fowleri, the "Brain Eating Amoeba" that causes the rapidly fatal disease  Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis.

AMOEBA SEASON.COM Interview with Dr. Sandra Gompf who lost their son, Phillip in 2009 to  Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis.  

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert, said concerned swimmers in freshwater can take precautions, such as using nose clips. Swimmers should also avoid disturbing sediment where the amoeba might be in greater numbers, he said.

According to NOAA’s latest monthly climate report, June 2016 was the warmest June on record for the contiguous United States dating back to 1895.   

Naegleria fowleri, "The Brain Eating Amoeba", numbers increase when the water temp reaches 80 degrees and infects people when water containing the ameba enters the body through the nose. Infection typically occurs when people go swimming or diving in warm freshwater bodies of water, like lakes and rivers but can also occur in improperly chlorinated swimming pools.

Infections with Naegleria fowleri occur mainly during the summer months of July, August, and September and are more likely to occur in southern-tier states, but can also occur in other more northern states due to the increasing temperatures in the Summer.  Cases have occurred as far north as Minnesota recently.  Infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.  Swimmers of any fresh water bodies of water should always at least wear nose clips to help decrease water from gaining access to the nasal passages.

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