PHOTO: The Drakesbrook Weir, 117km south of Perth , was closed on Friday after traces of the Naegleria amoeba were found (pictured are swimmers at the Weir)
Officials are cautioning swimmers to steer clear of a popular lake amid concerns of a potentially lethal brain-eating amoeba lurking in the water. The Drakesbrook Weir, situated 117km south of Perth, was shut down on Friday following the discovery of traces of the Naegleria amoeba. The Shire of Waroona Council is presently conducting additional tests to ascertain the presence of Naegleria Fowleri.
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Naegleria Fowleri is capable of causing the fatal ailment known as amoebic meningitis. This disease is contracted when amoebas enter the brain through water entering the nose, boasting a staggering 99 percent mortality rate.
The closure of the weir in January and February due to the same concern underscores the seriousness of the situation. “For your safety, the Shire advises people not to swim in Drakesbrook Weir until further notice,” the council emphasized in a Friday afternoon Facebook post. They added, “The Shire will post the test results as soon as they are available. The pathology lab has advised that specific test results for Naegleria fowleri can take up to 7 days.”
Although there have only been three reported cases of amoebic meningitis in Western Australia since the 1980s, swimmers are being urged to exercise caution. Instances of infection have been documented in bodies of freshwater lacking adequate chlorine levels, such as pools or water parks.
The Shire of Waroona Council are conducting further tests to confirm whether or not what is known as Naegleria Fowleri is also present in the lake
The amoeba thrives in warm waters but is absent in saltwater and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Symptoms of the brain infection include headaches, fevers, nausea, and vomiting. The rapid spread of the disease means infections can turn fatal within five days.
Individuals who recently swam in the weir and are experiencing symptoms are urged to seek medical assistance promptly.
SOURCE: THE DAILY MAIL