Brain-eating amoeba detected in popular national parks

• A rare "brain-eating amoeba," Naegleria fowleri, has been detected in recreational waters at several western national parks.
• The amoeba was specifically found in samples taken from Lake Mead, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park.
• A study by the U.S. Geological Survey and partner agencies surveyed 40 thermally impacted recreational waters, finding the amoeba in approximately one-third of the 185 samples.
• Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater and causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection with a 98 percent fatality rate.
• Researchers recommend enhanced monitoring and public awareness, noting that warming global temperatures may lead to the organism expanding to new geographic areas.

IN FULL

Rare brain-eating amoeba found in water at several western national parks – including Lake Mead and Yellowstone