Warning to stay off the lakes

Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
Today, my mom told me the health department issued a warning about ameoba in lakes and suggested that people stay out of the lakes. THis started in orlando, FL, and there are several other warnings throughout the bay area.

It will not really effect me going to the lake, because I just love wakeboarding too much and I'm stupid enough to take a risk. I thought some of you should be aware so you can take a calculated risk instead of an unknown risk.

I don't believe this is the case in the surf. My mom told me I should be going to play in salt water.

This quote IS NOT from the health department. It is a post from another forum that simple explain the ameoba.

All of those would start from deeper water (a dock, not the shore). Stagnant, warm water is ideal amoeba-breeding territory. Kids splashing around in backwaters near the shore would be at much higher risk than someone swimming out in the middle of the lake.

http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/presskit/presskit.htm

Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Naegleria fowleri
The organism is a single cell protozoa (amoeba), Naegleria fowleri, that is the causal agent for PAM. The route of entry into the body is through the nasal cavity and children are the most susceptible to the disease. The organism travels through the nasal cavity directly to the brain where it causes an almost always fatal infection similar to bacterial or viral meningitis.
The freshwater amoeba is found all around the world in soil and fresh water and has even been found in swimming pools. The amoeba is most active when the water temperature is greater than 80 degrees.
PAM infection can only occur when a number of conditions occur at the same time:
a. The amoeba must be present in the water.
b. The amoeba must be able to multiply to large numbers. (Greater than 80 degrees water temperature in stagnant, calm waters.)
c. Water containing the amoeba must get up the victims nose. (Water must beforcefully inhaled. The PAM infection can not result from swallowing water containing the pathogenic amoeba.)
PAM infection can be prevented by following a few common sense precautions:
a. Never swim in stagnant or polluted water. Stay in deeper more open areas of the lake.
b. Avoid underwater swimming and hold your nose or use nose plugs when jumping into natural waters.
c. Swim in properly maintained pools.
Thankfully, PAM is extremely rare. Less than three cases are reported each year nationwide. Every year many more deaths and injuries result from diving into shallow waters, or natural waters that hide rocks and debris, while using alcohol or drugs, while boating or swimming, and from leaving children unattended in water for even short periods of time.
Unfortunately, in addition to pathogenic freshwater amoebas, there are other protozoa, bacteria, and viruses in fresh water all capable of infecting swimmers with everything from mild stomach discomfort to severe gastrointestinal illness. Some of these organisms are found naturally in lakes and streams while others are carried from wastewater sources including septic systems and runoff from animal and wildfowl areas. Amazingly, few infections are reported by lake visitors. If the water feels warm and there is no wave action or water movement, bacteria can be expected to be present and one should be cautious about swimming. Persons who do allow their children in lakes, ponds, and streams at this time should be aware of meningitis symptoms.
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From http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1543616, with is the 1st place on Google that I found with information on the amoeba when doing a search "danger freshwater amoeba".
 
Mark44

Mark44

Katie's Boss
Location
100% one place
yankeeboy said:
our river had too much ecoli in it for a week last month. it didnt stop us.


and that article just says dont swim in crappy stagnant run off pools, and dont drink through your nose for a while. id say go for it
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Yuck,,,,,,,,,,,,,, WTF.............:crazy::shocked:

Mark44
 
OCD Solutions

OCD Solutions

Original, Clean and Dependable Solutions
Location
Rentz, GA
We get a green algae bloom that sounds very similar. Every year we get a few advisory notices to stay off. A few days of rain in a row goes a long way to keeping the lake clear.

I've got footage where it looks like we're "carpet skiing" on thick green felt.
 
Vumad

Vumad

Super Hero, with a cape!
Location
St. Pete, FL
Our lakes are always dirty looking. Brown or green. It has to do with the tress or something, I forget. Lake seminole is 3' deep on the end we wakeboard, so it kind of falls into this catagory. The deepest spot is only 8' deep, and they cut all the trees down so it's windy as f0ck.

Meh, still going.
 
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