Travis County person dies from ameba after swimming in Lake LBJ. Here’s what to know.

A Travis County resident has died from an illness caused by an ameba after swimming in Lake LBJ this month, Austin Public Health announced Wednesday.

The public health department did not give any more details about the person who had amebic meningitis.

“Although these infections are very rare, this is an important reminder that there are microbes present in natural bodies of water that can pose risks of infection,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “Increased temperatures over the summer make it ideal for harmful microorganisms to grow and flourish.” 

A sample from this case has been sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further identification, Austin Public Health said.

The Highland Lakes west of Austin, which include Lake LBJ and are controlled by the Lower Colorado River Authority, are not closed for recreation, LCRA’s Public Information Officer Clara Tuma said. “However, we caution that the ameba is naturally occurring and is commonly found in warm fresh water and could be in the Highland Lakes. … People who swim in the lakes do so at their own risk,” she said.

The LCRA does water quality testing on the lakes, but it doesn’t test for the ameba because there is no routine and rapid test for it, the LCRA said.

What causes amebic meningitis?

It is caused by the microscopic ameba Naegleria fowleri.

This ameba lives in warm, fresh water such as rivers, lakes and hot springs and in the soil. It can live in swimming pools or water parks that are not properly maintained and chlorinated, as well as in tap water, industrial waters and water heaters. It does not live in the ocean.

Naegleria fowleri infects a person through a person’s nose. Most cases are thought to happen when a person swims or submerges their head under the water.

How can you avoid amebic meningitis?

Austin Public Health, the LCRA and the CDC recommend these steps:

• Limit the amount of water going into your nose when swimming by holding your nose shut or using nose clips or keeping your head above water when in lakes and rivers.
• Avoid water activities in freshwater when the lake levels are low and the temperature of the water is high (our current situation).
• Avoid digging or stirring up sediment in warm, freshwater areas.

What are the symptoms of amebic meningitis?

The symptoms of amebic meningitis are usually felt up to nine days after the ameba enters the nose. Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Seizures
• Coma

Death usually happens within five days after the start of the symptoms. Doctors try to treat it with a combination of antibiotics, antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories.

More:Toxic algae found in lakes LBJ and Inks potentially poses danger to people and pets

How common is amebic meningitis?

Cases of amebic meningitis, also called primary amebic meningoencephalitis, are rare. The CDC cites 154 cases in the U.S. from 1962 to 2021, 39 of those in Texas.

While rare, amebic meningitis is deadly. The CDC said there have been only four known survivors in the U.S. since 1962.

What else is lurking in the water?

The Highland Lakes such as Lake LBJ and Inks Lake, as well as Austin city lakes Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake, have all had cases of toxic algae this year.

The blue-green algae are especially harmful to pets and has caused dogs to die.

People and pets should:

• Avoid getting in stagnant water or if you see scum, film or algae.
• Not drink directly from the lake.
• Rinse off with fresh water after coming in contact with the lake water.
• Not allow dogs to lick their wet fur prior to rinsing off with fresh water.

More:It’s back: Pet-deadly, harmful blue-green algae detected in Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin