Don't Go In The Water

Encephalitis Kills Another Young Swimmer

Authorities have released the name of a 10-year-old Osceola County youth who died from contracting amoebic encephalitis while swimming in a lake. And officials are investigating a third possible death from a deadly waterborne amoeba.

Health officials said that there is an increased risk of infection by the organism in all freshwater areas throughout Florida, especially during summer months when the water temperature exceeds 80 degrees.

Water sports or activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, swimming or diving puts people at a greater risk, officials said. The amoeba invades the brain and the disease progresses rapidly, usually resulting in death within three to seven days. The infection cannot be spread from person to person or contracted from a properly maintained swimming pool.