Brain-Eating Amoeba (Naegleria Fowleri) Swimming in My Pond?

We were recently asked about “brain-eating amobeas”  here is a summary of what we found:

1. The brain-eating amoeba is actually known as Naegleria fowleri and it was discovered in 1965.
   
2. It leaves in a cyst (egg-like stage) and a trophozoites (active stage).
3. Size – Small – 8 to 15 um  (micrometers)  For the record, a penny has a width of 1500 micrometers.
4. They do not like salt or saline water.
5. They like warm stagnant freshwater, including pools and spas not properly treated.
6. Organism enters the body through the NOSE !
7. Infections are Rare and mostly in the southern states.
8. Incubation Period – 2 to 15 days- average is 5 days
9. Symptoms: headache, fever, stiff neck, loss of appetite, vomiting, mental confusion, seizures, and coma.   I am sorry when coma is a symptom – WOW!!!!

Want to read more and get the details – We Suggest Web MD  !!!!   Source Information for this Summary!

We were asked about water testing – we could not find anything specific, but this would be two solid screening tests for surface water for this issue.

A. Total Microbiological Quality   (E.Coli, Coliform bacteria, Legionella, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Heliobacter Pylori, Sphingomonas, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus and more)

Or

B. General Pond Water Screening with Bacteria

Hot New Concern in Drinking Water GenX and PFAS !  (Emerging drinking water contaminants)

Recomended Reading

Wells and Septic Systems Paperback

The Septic System Owner’s Manual Paperback