Mayor: Swimmer Did Not Contract Brain-Eating Amoeba From Weston Lake
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) — The swimmer who contracted a brain-eating amoeba did so in a private lake somewhere in Broward County but not in Weston, according to Weston Mayor Daniel Stermer.
It was reported earlier that the incident took place in a body of water in Weston.
On Friday, Stermer spoke to CBS4 Reporter Silva Harapetian clarifying that the Florida Health Dept. in Broward says the amoeba case happened in the county, but not in Weston.
"It is not a public health concern because it's on a private property, in a private lake with no public access," Stermer was told by the Health Department.
The person infected is being treated at a hospital. Their name, age and gender have not been released.
Orlando-based Profounda is the only company in the U.S. that makes a drug that fights the deadly amoeba. CEO Todd McLaughlin said they jumped into action when they got a call.
"We're hoping now with what's happening here in Florida that we can beat the clock and get there in time," McLaughlin said.
The infection stems from a microscopic, single-cell amoeba called Naegleria fowleri. It is found in the brackish waters of freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers.
It can attack the brain if it gets into the nasal cavity. Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck. They usually appear between one to 14 days after infection.
The disease progresses rapidly and infection usually results in death in three to seven days.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) said there are some things you can do to avoid an infection.
First, avoid diving, swimming or jumping in fresh water during periods of high water temperature.
If you do go in that water, hold your nose shut or keep your head above the water.
Infections from this brain-eating amoeba are extremely rare.
Over the past 11 years, there have only been 37 documented cases in the U.S. Florida is one of 18 states with previously reported cases.