meningo-encephalitis

Thumper · Criminal Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 63 City: Raleigh, NC

I saw on the local news last night that a young kid died at my favorite
riding spot, Falls Lake. Turns out he died from a fresh water amoeba that
got into his spinal fluid via his nose called Primary Amebic
Meningoencephalitis.

There have only been 105 cases reported in the US, 300 worldwide, 4 in NC, with only 3 people surviving.

They say that the symptoms are a stiff neck and headache followed within
a few days by convulsions, severe vomiting, coma and then almost
certain death.

I think I'm gonna buy some nose plugs.

Here is a link if you're interested in the story...http://www.wral.com/health/2369285/detail.html

nic pima · Posted: Jul 31, 2003 5:50 am Post subject:

There's more ways to get the amoeba than just through your nose. It's best to not be in the water at all if you want to prevent it.

DaveBrowning · Posted: Jul 31, 2003 6:05 am Post subject:

I think I'd be finding a different riding spot...

apple101 · Outlaw Joined: 07 Jun 2003 Posts: 164

how does it work

Thumper · Criminal Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 63 City: Raleigh, NC

Carl S. · Posted: Jul 31, 2003 10:16 am Post subject:

wow they didnt even close off the lake?

Thumper · Criminal Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 63 City: Raleigh, NC

No, just about all bodies of fresh water in the warmer climates of the US have this. Its just rare for people to contract it.

It's present in dirt too so don't try pullin a Steve-O and piling an earth worm in your nose.

BoardinDan · Posted: Jul 31, 2003 10:36 am Post subject:

just stay out of the shallow water and you will be fine

HeadRush · Posted: Jul 31, 2003 10:49 am Post subject:

Damn. that's scary.............and unfortunate.

FlipsidE · Outlaw Joined: 23 Jun 2003 Posts: 143 City: Greenville, SC

Makes me wonder if I should ever set foot in any lakes around here ever again. I live in upstate South Carolina.

FlipsidE

Thumper · Criminal Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 63 City: Raleigh, NC

Given the history of infection, I would say the chances of infection are similar or even slimmer than winning the lottery!

DudeManWes · Criminal Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 96

You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning. Guess youd better stay inside while wearing those nose plugs, dont want to take any chances.

kim · Addict Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 588 City: Orlando

I thought it could infect you through mouth nose and ears. And I don't think its just in shallow water. We had this bad last year. It might not have been the same Amoeba, but it was an amoeba nonetheless. They tend to form in fresh water when the temperature is over 75 or 80 degrees or something. Confused

Last year on the news they actually had to tell us what lakes were the most dangerous and which ones they were going to close. I think one of the most dangerous was Chase Heaveners lake. It really does suck though. And even though its a small chance that doesn't mean it can't happen. I say pick a new spot. but thats only my opinion Rolling Eyes

Dave W · Posted: Jul 31, 2003 2:44 pm Post subject:

This is only on southern lakes right?

Thumper · Criminal Joined: 28 Jun 2003 Posts: 63 City: Raleigh, NC

Here is some more info....

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00016999.htm