Amoeba Injuries and Death
Provided by an Orlando Wrongful Death Lawyer at McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A.
If you've had an amoeba injury, call 1-800-978-1986 or send us an email for help.
Amoebae-related deaths, though rare, have been traced in some cases to public swimming pools and water parks. The following in information on amoebic infections is compiled by an Orlando wrongful death attorney at McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A..
Type of Amoeba
The amoeba in question is Naegleria fowleri, an organism which lives in warm water (above 80 degrees Fahrenheit), soil or vegetation. N. fowleri can infect humans when the water in which it lives is forced through the nose, as in the case of diving into pools or swimming underwater.
Symptoms of Amoeba Infection
The N. fowleri amoebae enter the nose and travel to the brain where they cause a disease called Primary Amoebic Meningitis (PAM). PAM has a 95% mortality rate, and presents with symptoms that may include:
- Back and neck stiffness, cramping and pain
- Weakness, severe headaches and seizures
- Light sensitive eyes, double vision and droopy eyelids
- Nosebleeds
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Swollen, painful lymph nodes
- Decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting
- Loss of smell or problems tasting food
- Confusion, hallucinations and difficulty with concentration
PAM may cause fluid buildup in the brain, severe headaches and coma. Death follows rapidly once symptoms are evident.
Presence of Amoebas
Over 46% of lakes surveyed in Florida have the pathogenic amoebae, and the Florida Department of Health has warned swimmers to be wary of amoebic infection, especially in summer months when pool water can rise above 80 degrees. Even so deaths have occurred, and it is incumbent of every public swimming pool and water park, especially in the state of Florida, to maintain a residual chlorine level of 1-2 parts per million to protect their guests from amoebic infection.
Signs warning of possible N. fowleri infections, advising using nose plugs and advising strong nose blowing after exposure to water should be posted in all public swimming areas. It is also incumbent upon the owners of private swimming pools and hot tubs to be aware of possible amoebic activity and maintain their facilities accordingly.
If you are in the tragic position of losing a loved one due to amoebic infection, an Orlando wrongful death lawyer at the McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A. is available to answer your questions pursuant to filing a claim for loss of life. We are available to evaluate your case for compensation and help you through this difficult time. Contact the Orlando amoebic injury attorneys at McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A. to discuss the potential liability of the swimming pool or water park involved.
