After the death of 11-year-old Will Sellars, who lost his life from an amoeba infection last week after swimming in Lake Jessamine in Orange County, The Marion County Health Department is alerting citizens to take precautions while swimming in freshwater lakes and ponds because of the threat posed by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri.

Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic amoeba most commonly found in the bottom of freshwater lakes and ponds.

Although infection with the amoeba is very rare, recent record temperatures in Central Florida have increased the risk of infection.

Infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain and spinal cord when a person drives or is swimming underwater. The amoeba is most common when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

The following precautions are advised to decrease the possibility of infection:
Wear nose clips or hold the nose shut when swimming, jumping or diving in any freshwater.
Do not swim, jump or dive in warm, stagnant, fresh water.
 
Seek medical treatment if infection is suspected.

Symptoms of Naegleria fowleri include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, and loss of balance and bodily control.

The disease progresses rapidly and can result in death within 3 to 7 days.

Infection cannot be spread from person to person. Properly cleaned, maintained and chlorinated pools do not pose a risk for infection.