“I know people are not going to stay out of the waters on hot summer months but they should take extra precautions and use nose plugs,” said Nash-Ryder. “This is an infection that does not discriminate. It could happen to anyone. It could happen to you.”

Just last May, the City of Palm Bay announced that the lake at Veteran’s Memorial Park located at 2200 Port Malabar Boulevard NE is permanently closed to swimming due to continued risk of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis to park patrons.

The amoeba thrives in the upper layer of sediment in the bottom of lakes and ponds with mud floors. The Brevard County Health Department advises symptoms of infection include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures and hallucinations. The public is urged to contact a medical professional immediately if experiencing any of these symptoms.

The Brevard County Health Department also reports the threat of infection, although rare, increases during the summer months when the water temperature rises. The amoeba invades the brain and the disease progresses rapidly and usually results in death within 3 to 7 days. Prevention is key and the public is advised to avoid warm water ponds, lakes, rivers and non chlorinated swimming pools.