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LAKE ELSINORE: Brain infection kills Lake Elsinore child
Infection caused by water-borne amoeba, a deadly parasite
By The Californian | ∞
LAKE ELSINORE ---- County officials are urging visitors to freshwater lakes to take precautions against a very rare infection caused by a water-borne amoeba in the wake of a Lake Elsinore child's death Saturday.
County Department of Public Health officials said the child, whom they did not identify, died Saturday of a brain infection caused by an amoeba called Naegleria fowleri, a parasite found in warm freshwater lakes.
The amoeba, which infects people by entering the body through the nose, is commonly found in warm freshwater lakes, hot springs and soil. It also is found in warm discharge from industrial power plants.
Riverside County public health officer Dr. Eric Frykman said county officials don't know where the Lake Elsinore child was infected by the amoeba, which could live in any freshwater lake in Southern California during a hot spell.
In the U.S., the amoeba has caused fatal infections in 15 southern states. From 1998 through 2007, there were 33 reported fatalities.
The Atlanta-based federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there was a spike in deaths caused by the amoeba last year due to a heat wave.
Some of the people who died were teenagers who had been water-skiing, said Arleen Porcell, a spokeswoman for the center.
"It's my understanding that pretty much everyone dies when they get it. It affects children and adults the same way," she said Tuesday.
Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck.
To reduce the risk of infection, Frykman said summertime visitors to freshwater lakes should hold their nose shut or use nose clips while taking part in water-related activities.
Also, the county is recommending against digging into or stirring up sediment in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
Frykman, who said it's the first reported case of a death caused by the amoeba in Riverside County, said testing is impractical because it is "ubiquitous" in freshwater lakes.
The risk, however is slim. Putting the risk of infection in context, Frykman said there are millions of visits to freshwater lakes each year and only a small number of reported cases.
"It's something that is a very low risk, three cases average per year," he said.
Porcell called the likelihood of contracting an infection from the amoeba as "very, very, very rare" and said there should be no cause for alarm in Southwest County.
More Information
To learn more on the amoeba Naegleria fowleri and the threat it poses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site, which contains a fact sheet on the parasite: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/naegleria/factsht_naegleria.htm.
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So Sad wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:41 PM:Our condolences to the family of this precious boy. God bless you and your family.
Geena wrote on Aug 6, 2008 9:50 PM:Lake Elsinore has always been a smelly, filthy, nasty lake. As a child I remember going there with our family, but we couldn't play or swim there as there were dead fish floating all over the lake...that was 40 years ago... nothing has changed...
to Geena wrote on Aug 7, 2008 6:21 AM:It never said the amoeba came from Lake Elsinore itself only that the child lived in Lake Elsinore.
Correction wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:34 AM:According to KFI, they reported that the family did say that the boy had recently been in LE Lake. Neither of our local papers stated this. I hope that the parks and recreation are testing the water, they certainly have not posted any signs to keep swimmers out of the water until they do an investigation, the public beach was full of swimmers last evening. To the family of this young boy, my sincere condolences, how sad this is.
to Geena too wrote on Aug 7, 2008 9:45 AM:The Amoeba can live just fine in even a very clean looking lake as long as the water is warm. The algae (excessive plant life) in Lake Elsinore, that causes the fish kills, has nothing to do with this amoeba. It is the warm water, which can and does happen in all southern lakes. Unless we want to start pumping chlorine into our natural bodies of water then this unfortunately can happen. People need to be aware that they need to take just as many precautions in a pristine looking warm lake as in a lake that appears "dirty". Appearances can be deceiving.
to Geena wrote on Aug 7, 2008 11:02 AM:Also, the report stated the child had swam in several different lakes, so whats up with the trash talking of Lake Elsinore? A kid died last year in Havasu ,I don't see you making fun of that lake.
I Love Lake Elsinore wrote on Aug 7, 2008 4:32 PM:I have realized that everytime there is a negative story in the paper about Lake Elsinore there are several commentors bashing our city. These people are unaware of what a beautiful city Elsinore is becoming.
Our City Council has taken great measures to clean the lake, installed an airation system to stop the algae bloom, and provide a clean safe area for families along Lakeside Drive to enjoy the lake. For all of this I say "Thank You." It is unforntunate that some people will continue to believe that the lake is dirty.
I feel it unfortunate that there are still people who think of our city as the same city from 20 years ago. I invite anyone who dislikes Lake Elsinore to take a drive and check out the neighborhoods in Canyon Hills, Rosetta Canyon, Tuscanny Hills, and the newer tracts on the North side of town.
I live in Canyon Hills and absolutely love our neighborhood! Unlike my previous neghborhood in Corona, there is a feeling of community here that is shared by most.
I am probably wasting my breath, and thats ok, Lake Elsinore can continue to be our secret.
Selfish wrote on Aug 8, 2008 8:16 AM:No, no.. LE is a filthy lake and all who think so should avoid it at all cost. Please, stay away, and tell all your friends.
For us poor locals who must brave these derelict waters, keep in mind the odds are greater to be shot at Lake Perris or ran over at Canyon Lake.
My sincere condolences to the family; nothing compares to the loss of a child, no matter the circumstances
Jody wrote on Aug 9, 2008 3:27 PM:It's not just Lake Elsinore. The amoeba lives in any body of warm fresh water. Last summer a boy died after contracting the parasite from Lake Havasu.
Do a Google search using the following words Lake Havasu Aaron Evans and you'll learn all you want to know about this brain eater.
Jody wrote on Aug 9, 2008 3:30 PM:It's not just Lake Elsinore. The amoeba lives in any body of warm fresh water. Last summer a boy died after contracting the parasite from Lake Havasu.
Do a Google search using the following words Lake Havasu Aaron Evans and you'll learn all you want to know about this brain eater.
One other thing - it's a natural water contaminate. There's nothing you can do to get rid of it, and it has nothing to do with whether the lake is dirty or not.
Just be sure to plug your nose or use nose clips when swimming in any warm freshwater lake and you will be fine.
lin wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:44 PM:... for a public official to say I swim in the lake is irresponsible. This thermophile thrives in nutrient enriched waters like the reclamation waters instilled into LE. elsinore. Yes its everywhere but when the conditions are perfect theres more of it. to be safe the two hottest months should post signs no swimming. I believe another death will occur next summer just like the five drownings it took ten years for the city to put up signs,
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