Swimmers have been warned to stay away from a popular dam after an organism closely related to a brain-eating amoeba was found during routine water checks.
With temperatures steadily reaching the 30s in the next few days, some may have intended to cool off at Drakesbrook Weir, a popular swimming spot 100 kilometres south of Perth. However, the local council issued a warning on Monday telling people to steer clear.
“Testing has indicated the presence of Naegleria amoeba in the water. The Shire is now awaiting results to rule out the presence of Naegleria Fowleri, the organism responsible for amoebic meningoencephalitis,” the Shire of Waroona announced.
The brain infection, commonly known as amoebic meningitis, is caused by a single-cell organism that attacks the tissue and causes death.
The dam was closed in January and April this year due to similar risks.
Amoebic meningitis kills in less than three weeks, expert says
The disease is considered rare, however if an individual is infected, it can cause death quickly.
“You could probably have a thousand people swim in that waterway and not get it. But if you get infected, it’s likely fatal. It takes between one and 18 days to die,” water researcher Professor Ian Wright previously told Yahoo News, calling the brain infection a “horrible, horrible thing”.
Symptoms consist of severe and persistent headaches, fever, vomiting and drowsiness, with children most at risk of the disease.
Shire of Waroona council urged anyone who “recently submerged your head” at the swimming spot to seek medical assistance.
“It is important to note that the Drakesbrook Weir is an untreated natural water body and not a managed aquatic facility; hence is not subject to daily testing,” the council said.
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