Algae-related brain eating amoeba responsible for 6 deaths.

[KansaiKitsune]

"It sounds like science fiction but it's true: A killer amoeba living in lakes enters the body through the nose and attacks the brain where it feeds until you die.

Even though encounters with the microscopic bug are extraordinarily rare, it's killed six boys and young men this year. The spike in cases has health officials concerned, and they are predicting more cases in the future.

"This is definitely something we need to track," said Michael Beach, a specialist in recreational waterborne illnesses for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This is a heat-loving amoeba. As water temperatures go up, it does better," Beach said. "In future decades, as temperatures rise, we'd expect to see more cases."

The Anniston Star » Latest from AP

Officially wetting pants now. Keep those masks on nice and tight, folks.

 

[dlndavid]

that is indeed scary, don't do somersaults in chest deep water,

 

[archman]

Just pinch your nose.

 

[drbill]

I'm never diving fresh water again. Of course that's an easy choice since I'm a MARINE biologist!

 

[DandyDon]

A rare meningitis if I remember correctly, found in warm, stagnant water. Life has so many things to fear if you really get into fear. You're more likely to die in your bathroom.

 

[muddiver]

I'm never diving fresh water again. Of course that's an easy choice since I'm a MARINE biologist!

What about that flesh eating bacteria down in the Gulf of Mexico?

 

[DandyDon]

What about that flesh eating bacteria down in the Gulf of Mexico?

Gulf? How about any warm water? Any wound or scrape needs to be treated. If it looks worse in the morning, go to ER and insist that they consult DAN; you do not have time for an appointment.

You wanta sell your gear cheap now...??

 

[archman]

I used to keep flesh eating bacteria and "concentrated red tide" in my lab refrigerator.

Ha ha.

 

[MSilvia]

I'm with you Dr. Bill. I never much cared for freshwater anyhow, and I'm glad it's cold up here.

 

[DandyDon]

I used to keep flesh eating bacteria and "concentrated red tide" in my lab refrigerator.

Ha ha.

I heard about the raid. Glad you're out now.

It's good to be prudent about where one dives, and it's good to be diligent about treating any problems, but I could give y'all a long list of more likely ways to die from your day to day activities if that would make anyone feel better?