Travis County resident dies after amebic meningitis infection

AUSTIN, Texas — A Travis County resident has died after developing an illness caused by an amebic meningitis infection, Austin Public Health (APH) announced Wednesday.

The public health agency said the person became ill after swimming in Lake LBJ in August.

“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,” Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said. “Increased temperatures over the summer make it ideal for harmful microorganisms to grow and flourish.” 

APH said amebic meningitis doesn’t occur if water is swallowed, but it can be fatal if forced up the nose – something that can happen when jumping into water, diving, water-skiing or doing other water activities. It isn’t found in salt water or in properly maintained and chlorinated pools.

Symptoms of an amebic meningitis infection, which is an infection of the brain, start with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. They then progress to stiff neck, seizure sand coma and can lead to death. APH said these rare infections usually occur when it is hot for prolonged periods of time, resulting in higher water temperatures and lower water levels.

APH said primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) infections are rare, and there have only been 39 known infected individuals in Texas between 1962 and 2022. The infections can cause severe illness up to nine days after exposure.

APH said to reduce the risks associated with swimming in natural bodies of water, including amebic infections, swimmers should: 

• Limit the amount of water going up their nose by either holding their nose shut, using nose clips or keeping their heads above water
• Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels
• Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment

APH has sent a sample specimen from the Lake LBJ case to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further identification. 

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