Southern NSW Local Health District has issued a Summer Safety Alert.
The LHD is warning residents in the South East to take precautions against amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare brain infection which can occur if untreated water goes up someone’s nose.
SNSWLHD Public Health Director, Ms Alison Nikitis, said people shouldn’t be alarmed by primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, but said in summer months it did present a risk that can be avoided with some easy precautions.
“Every summer we remind communities that warm conditions that increase water temperatures mean any unchlorinated water supply that seasonally exceeds 30°C or continually exceeds 25°C may be a risk,” Nikitis said.
“Amoebic meningitis can occur if untreated water goes up someone’s nose, so people should be careful when they are around unchlorinated water. Children and young people appear to be more susceptible than adults to this rare infection,” she said.
“The amoebas that cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis live in warm, fresh water and soil, but the amoebas cannot survive in water that is clean, cool and adequately chlorinated.
“At particular risk are people in rural areas who have their own tank, dam or bore water supply, such as those living on farms, and people with poorly maintained swimming pools.
“For instance, shallow wading pools are particularly at risk if they have been left in the sun for a long time. Other places that can create an environment for the amoebas include lakes, rivers, dams, bores, tanks, garden hoses, natural hot springs, and spa and swimming pools that are poorly maintained,” Nikitis said.
The best way to steer clear of infection is to avoid jumping or diving into bodies of warm fresh water or thermal pools, to Keep your head above water in spas, pools and fresh water and to ensure swimming pools and spas are adequately chlorinated and well maintained. The amoebas can’t survive in water that is clean, cool and adequately chlorinated.
Other things to be mindful of to reduce risk is to empty and clean small collapsible wading pools and let them dry out before the next use, flush warm water from hoses before allowing children to play with hoses or sprinklers and not allowing water to go up your or your children’s nose when bathing, showering or washing your face. Parents and guardians are asked to supervise children playing with hoses or sprinklers and to teach them not to squirt water up their nose.
Initial symptoms start one to nine days after infection and include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Later symptoms include a stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations.
Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
More information about amoebic meningitis can be found HERE and HERE.
Image: American Journal of Neuroradiology
