Brain Eating Infection at Lake of the Ozarks

An infection that annually infects fewer than 10 people on average across the United States, has been found in Missouri. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has announced a case of a Missouri adult with an infection of amebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM, commonly called the “brain-eating” infection.

The amoeba, which can cause the rare, deadly brain infection, is naturally found in warm freshwaters such as lakes, rivers and ponds. People become infected by the amoeba when water with the amoeba enters the nose. However, PAM is very rare and cannot be spread from one person to another, or contracted by simply swallowing water.

The source of this infected patient is thought to be linked to skiing in the Lake of the Ozarks in the days before they became sick.

The patient is currently being treated for PAM in an unidentified intensive care unit.

The Department of Health and Senior Services said the best way to reduce the risk of infection is limiting the amount of water going up the nose. Some ways include:

• Holding nose shut with either hands or clips.
• Avoid putting your head under water, especially in hot-untreated water.
• Avoid water-related activities during high-temperatures.
• Avoid stirring up sediment in warm freshwater areas.

Those who experience the following symptoms after swimming in a warm body of water should contact their health care provider immediately:

• Severe Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stiff Neck
• Altered Mental Status
• Hallucinations