Rare Diseases Lurk in Lake Water: Understanding the Risks and How to Stay Safe This Summer
A refreshing swim in a lake or river can be an ideal way to beat the summer heat, but beneath the surface, these waters can harbor microscopic organisms that can cause severe illness and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a rise in two waterborne pathogens in US freshwater lakes and brackish waters, linked to climate change-driven rising water temperatures.
The two rare but potentially deadly pathogens are Vibrio vulnificus, known as "flesh-eating bacteria," and Naegleria fowleri, the "brain-eating amoeba." As of mid-June, eight cases of flesh-eating bacteria had been confirmed in Florida, while the brain-eating amoeba was found in two popular national parks.
Both pathogens thrive in warm water conditions, with brain-eating amoebas commonly found in warm freshwater lakes and rivers, and flesh-eating bacteria primarily found in warm brackish water. The amoeba can cause a deadly infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) that destroys brain tissue, killing fewer than 10 Americans each year.
Flesh-eating bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis, destroying muscle and skin tissue, and can enter the body through a cut or by consuming uncooked or undercooked shellfish. Without treatment, death can occur in just a few days, with an average of 150-200 cases reported annually, mostly in Gulf Coast states.
To minimize the risk of contracting these pathogens, swimmers, especially those in southern states and warm coastal waters, should be aware of the risks and take precautions. Medical experts recommend close supervision of children, who are more prone to swallowing water while swimming. Recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial in case of exposure.
The two rare but potentially deadly pathogens are Vibrio vulnificus, known as "flesh-eating bacteria," and Naegleria fowleri, the "brain-eating amoeba." As of mid-June, eight cases of flesh-eating bacteria had been confirmed in Florida, while the brain-eating amoeba was found in two popular national parks.
Both pathogens thrive in warm water conditions, with brain-eating amoebas commonly found in warm freshwater lakes and rivers, and flesh-eating bacteria primarily found in warm brackish water. The amoeba can cause a deadly infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) that destroys brain tissue, killing fewer than 10 Americans each year.
Flesh-eating bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis, destroying muscle and skin tissue, and can enter the body through a cut or by consuming uncooked or undercooked shellfish. Without treatment, death can occur in just a few days, with an average of 150-200 cases reported annually, mostly in Gulf Coast states.
To minimize the risk of contracting these pathogens, swimmers, especially those in southern states and warm coastal waters, should be aware of the risks and take precautions. Medical experts recommend close supervision of children, who are more prone to swallowing water while swimming. Recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial in case of exposure.
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