Yes, Lake Michigan and other freshwater lakes in Michigan may have the brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri. Public health officials warn that this amoeba can be found in any warm freshwater pond, lake, river, or stream within the United States, including Michigan.
What is Naegleria Fowleri?
Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled organism that thrives in warm freshwater environments. It is commonly known as the “brain-eating amoeba” because it can infect the brain and destroy brain tissue. Brain infections caused by Naegleria fowleri are very rare but nearly always fatal.
How Does Naegleria Fowleri Infect Humans?
The amoeba can infect people when water containing it enters the body through the nose, usually during swimming or diving activities. Once the amoeba enters the nose, it can travel to the brain and cause a rare and devastating infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Symptoms of Naegleria Fowleri Infection
Symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, and hallucinations. The infection progresses rapidly, usually leading to coma and death within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin.
Precautions to Take in Freshwater Lakes
To reduce the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection, it is important to take the following precautions when swimming or playing in freshwater lakes:
- Hold your nose or wear a nose clip when jumping or diving into fresh water.
- Keep your head above water in hot springs.
- Avoid digging in shallow water, where the amoeba is more likely to live.
- Use distilled or boiled tap water when rinsing your sinuses or cleansing your nasal passages.
Increased Presence of Naegleria Fowleri in Northern States
In recent years, the brain-eating amoeba has been spotted in Northern states more often as air and water temperatures rise. Texas has reported the most cases of Naegleria fowleri infection, followed by Florida. Climate change is suspected to contribute to the increase in cases, as the amoeba thrives in warm conditions.
Conclusion
While the risk of contracting a Naegleria fowleri infection is low, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of this brain-eating amoeba in freshwater lakes, including Lake Michigan. By taking simple precautions and being vigilant about water safety, you can enjoy the beauty and recreation of Michigan’s lakes while minimizing the risk of this rare but devastating infection.
References:
- https://wbckfm.com/deadly-brain-eating-amoeba-may-be-in-michigan-lakes/
- https://www.cdc.gov/naegleria/about/index.html
- https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2023/07/31/doctors-concerned-brain-eating-amoeba-infection-could-increase-due-warmer-water-temperatures/
- https://interestingengineering.com/science/this-map-shows-which-us-lakes-contain-brain-eating-amoebas