Brain-Eating Amoeba Found in Hot Springs at Yellowstone, Other Popular Sites: Study
Researchers found the amoeba in 34% of 185 water samples and said warming temperatures could expand its range.
- A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey and Montana State University found Naegleria fowleri in 34% of 185 water samples collected across five western U.S. national parks.
- Thriving in warm freshwater between 71 and 115 degrees, the 'brain-eating amoeba' causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis if it enters the nose, an infection with a 98 percent fatality rate.
- Researchers analyzed 40 sites over eight years, confirming the amoeba's presence at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Grand Teton National Park, and Yellowstone National Park, including areas where it had not been previously detected.
- Publishing in ACS ES&T Water, researchers emphasize the need for 'enhanced monitoring, public awareness, and risk management strategies' in thermally influenced recreational waters across the United States.
- Although infections remain rare, affecting fewer than 10 people annually, scientists warn rising temperatures from climate change could allow the pathogen to spread northward, potentially increasing future cases.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Brain-eating amoeba found in waters of 3 national parks
Researchers found a brain-eating amoeba in the waters of three National Park sites — Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area — with Olympic National Park and Newberry National Volcanic Monument testing negative. Affected locations include Firehole River, Boiling River, and Lewis Lake Hot Springs in Yellowstone; Polecat, Huckleberry, and Granite Hot Springs...
Brain-eating amoeba found in National Park’s recreational water sites
Researchers found a brain-eating amoeba in the waters of three National Park sites -- Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area -- with Olympic National Park and Newberry National Volcanic Monument testing negative.
Brain-eating amoeba turns up in five western national parks
Naegleria fowleri — the single-celled organism that causes a brain infection with a 98% fatality rate — has been showing up in warm waters at Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Olympic, Lake Mead, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument, according to a SFGATE report by Sam Hill. — Read the rest The post Brain-eating amoeba turns up in five western national parks appeared first on Boing Boing.
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