BEWARE - fowleri!

[RodBow]

This just in:

[quote]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kevin Cate
September 5, 2007 (850) 245-4111

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH issues

AMOEBIC ENCEPHALITIS ADVISORY FOR FLORIDA FRESHWATER

~~ Second Probable Human Case of Amoebic Encephalitis ~~

TALLAHASSEE— Florida Department of Health (DOH) Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H., today issued a medical advisory for all freshwater swimming areas in the state of Florida. Two probable human cases of Amoebic Encephalitis have been identified in Central Florida residents since August, and there is a heightened concern that additional residents may become ill. The most recent case resulted in the death of a Florida child.

Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and hallucinations. The public is urged to contact a medical professional immediately if experiencing any of these symptoms.

“There is an increased risk of infection by this organism in all freshwater areas throughout Florida, especially during hot summer months,â€