Brain-eating Amoeba Can Resurface As Minnesota Heats Up

It's officially the hottest part of the summer. Temperatures have soared above 90 degrees recently, and people are jumping into Minnesota lakes to cool off. Fortunately, Minnesota's northern climate keeps water temperatures cool enough that we typically don't have to worry about harmful bacteria in the water. But there have been cases in the past of the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri on one Minnesota lake.

Naegleria fowleri Cases in One Minnesota Lake

Naegleria fowleri is a single-celled amoeba that infects the nervous system. It enters the brain when present in water that goes up a swimmer's nose. It's incredibly rare in Minnesota, but nearly always fatal. There have been two cases in Minnesota on the same lake just years apart.

Two children died after swimming in Lily Lake in Stillwater, Minnesota. A seven-year-old died in 2010 after swimming in the lake. A nine-year-old died in 2012. The public swimming beach was closed after that.

When Conditions Are Most Dangerous

Naegleria fowleri thrives in hot conditions. The most dangerous time is when it's been very hot and dry. Lake levels drop, and infections are more likely. It's still very rare, but 97% of people infected die.

How To Protect Yourself

The Minnesota Department of Health has suggestions for keeping yourself safe while swimming. Hold your nose if you're jumping or diving into water. Wear a nose clip and keep your head above water in hot springs. Don't dig in shallow water or stir up sediment from the bottom. If you use nasal clearing devices, use distilled water, or boil your tap water first.