Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba Kills Swimmer in Austin Area Lake, Texas

An individual in Texas died from an infection of brain-eating amoeba after swimming in a lake in Austin, reports revealed.

Recently, portions of the U.S. experienced high temperatures, including in Texas and the Southeastern U.S. Heat-related health advisories were also issued in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, public health officials warned people to swim in freshwater as warmer and soaring temperatures could likely grow harmful organisms.

Deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba in Austin, Texas

(Photo : by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
A stock photo of a man swimming. An individual swimming in a lake in Austin died from a very rare and deadly Brain-Eating Amoeba. Public health officials warned against swimming in freshwater during warm and hotter temperatures. The infections could result in severe illness. Americans should immediately seek medical attention as the condition is life-threatening.

The press release did not identify the Travis County resident who died from the deadly brain-eating amoeba after swimming in Lake Lyndon B. Johnson this month.

Brain-eating amoeba is considered very rare. The infection could become very life-threatening.

In Texas, 39 were reported to suffer from amebic meningoencephalitis.

Based on the CDC's report, the brain-eating amoeba can be found in the following water:

Lakes
Hot Springs
Rivers

Reports showed that at least one in three people in the U.S. gets infected by the deadly Naegleria fowleri.

Meanwhile, the Austin Public Health reminded swimmers of possible risks in freshwaters, such as amebic infections.

Once people get infected by swallowing the contaminated water, they will likely feel the following symptoms:

Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Stiff Neck
Seizures
Other symptoms of amoeba are trembling, coma and confusion.

The infections could result in severe illness. Affected people should immediately seek medical attention as the condition is life-threatening.

People should always be careful with untreated geothermal waters and springs, which are primary homes of the deadly amoeba.

In August, NWN also reported the same infection after an individual died due to the rare brain-eating amoeba in Georgia.

Also Read: Fish Deaths in North Mexico Coast Likely Due to High Temperatures, Algae Bloom

Staying safe from the possible infection of brain-eating amoeba

As record-high temperatures unfold in parts of the U.S., the rare case of amoeba infection could be likely.

Here are essential reminders to stay safe and avoid exposure to Naegleria fowleri.

The harmful organism emerge in low water levels or higher temperatures. In the warmer season this September, people should take possible precautions.

Homeowners should look after their children and advise them to avoid swimming in freshwater, especially during warmer months.

Swimmers should always keep their heads above the water if they plan to swim in these areas. When you swim underwater, it can pose a risk of infection.

People should also avoid digging the sediment, which could have the amoeba.

According to the CDC, young boys are mostly at risk of amoeba infection as they participate more in outdoor water activities in freshwater.