TYLER, Texas — The lakes and ponds may be fun to swim in during the summer, but they can also serve as the breeding ground for Naegleria fowleri, a type of brain-eating amoeba.
Dr. Brent Moore, Regional State Public Health Veterinarian for Texas Department of State Health Services, says Naegleria fowleri is a naturally occurring amoeba that forms in warmer temperatures and is mostly found in lakes and rivers.
"They typically grow within a temperature of 75 degrees to up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit," Dr. Moore said. "The shallower, more still waters, where it's not flowing as well, tend to concentrate a bit more."
Anglers tell CBS19 they've seen the water in East Texas lakes reaching 90° this summer.
The brain-eating amoeba is a small microorganism with alarming symptoms if contracted.
"It starts like bacterial meningitis, things like headache, you can get nausea, stiff neck -- it can progress further into lack of balance and hallucinations, further leading to a coma," Dr. Moore said.
The state sees an average of one case per year, but the rare infection an affect anyone at any age.
"The past three years in 2019, 2020 and 2021, we each had one case each year, but since 1979, we've had 35 or 36 cases," Dr. Moore said. "I know more recently, we've seen it in kids, but it can happen at any age."
Before you head out to swim in your favorite lake or pool, take extra precautions.
"Avoid getting water up your nose, avoid the dry, hot water areas, and prevent kicking up silt from the bottom," Dr. Moore said. "If you're around the hot spring, you know, don't dip your head underwater, things like that."
Dr. Moore says current studies are underway in hopes of finding a cure for this rare infection.
"I don't know of specific conditions, but I do know that there is work being done in the field of therapy for amoebas, this one included," Dr. Moore said.
To learn more about a Naegleria fowleri, click here.