[news] Health officers tell of swimming risks

A deadly amoeba that killed a Brevard County teenager last weekend may be present in any warm freshwater lake, pond or river in Florida this time of year.

ST. PETERSBURG - A deadly amoeba that killed a Brevard County teenager last weekend may be present in any warm freshwater lake, pond or river in Florida this time of year.

"We want people to be aware of these risks, because they certainly do not want more deaths," said Andrea Castillo, the Pinellas County Public Health Department's health services manager.

Doctors believe that 16-year-old Courtney Nash contracted the Naegleria fowleri amoeba while swimming in the San Juan River with his family.

Infection N. fowleri can cause inflammation of the rare but serious brain, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. Nash symptoms including severe headache and fever. She died Saturday.

The last confirmed case of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis was a pensioner of 22 years old Orlando wakes up in 2009. In 2007, three Central Florida children died from the infection.

The microscopic organisms live in the sediment of freshwater bodies. Warm temperatures to activate it, which poses a threat to swimmers. The amoeba usually enters through the nose of the swimmer. Infection or PAM, stroke victim and spinal cord. Symptoms begin one to seven days after infection.


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