Swimmers and skiers take caution

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Texas Department of State Health Services is urging swimmers and skiers to take precautions against a rare amoeba called Nawgleria fowleri.

This amoeba is assumed to be present in all rivers, lakes, ponds, tanks and streams and can cause infection in humans.

The amoeba can cause an infection to the brain called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM . Although PAM is rare, it is almost always fatal.

The amoeba may be present in any body of fresh water but usually thrives in warm, stagnant water. Low water levels, high temperatures, and stagnant or slow-moving water can all produce a higher concentration of the amoeba.

When water containing the amoeba is forced up the nose when diving or skiing, infection will typically occur. Beginning signs of the infection include severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, neasea and vomiting.

Those who stick to chlorinated bodies of water should be fine. The amoeba does not live in swimming pools or hottubs that have been properly cleaned. It also does not live in salt water.

DSHS offers these precautions to reduce the already low risk of infection:

• Never swim in stagnant water
• Hold your nose or use nose clips when skiing, jet skiing or jumping into any water.

Other dangers associated with lakes and rivers include diving into waters that are too shallow or that may hide rocks and debris. Never leave children unattended around water.

Since 2000, there has been nine cases of PAM reported in Texas, including one in 2008.