Travis County resident dies after amebic infection; officials urge caution for swimmers

Austin Public Health on Wednesday announced the death of a Travis County resident who developed an amebic meningitis infection after swimming in Lake Lyndon B. Johnson earlier this month. Now, the public health authority is warning people about the current risks of swimming in natural bodies of water.

“Although these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that there are microbes present in natural bodies of water that can pose risks of infection,” Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County health authority, said in a statement. “Increased temperatures over the summer make it ideal for harmful microorganisms to grow and flourish.”

Some things to know about amebic infections, per a news release from the city:

• “Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) infections are rare, with only 39 known infected individuals in Texas between 1962 and 2022. PAM can cause severe illness up to nine days after exposure.”
• “Symptoms of an amebic meningitis infection – an infection of the brain – start with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and progress to stiff neck, seizures and coma and can lead to death.”
• “Amebic meningitis does not occur if water is swallowed, but can be fatal if forced up the nose, as can occur when jumping into water, diving, water-skiing or other water activities. It is not found in salt water, or in properly maintained and chlorinated pools.”

According to Austin Public Health, residents should avoid aquatic activities in warm freshwater when the temperature outside is high and the water levels are low – so, right now. If you do go for a swim in a lake, limit the amount of water entering nasal passages and avoid digging in/stirring up sediment, per the news release.

Go here for more info.