As Investigation Continues Into Ameba Infection, The DHSS Offers Tips To Stay Safe

With news breaking this week about a case of a Missouri man suffering from a brain-eating infection connected to a possible visit to Lake of the Ozarks, the Department of Health and Senior Services has released a list of symptoms and some precautions you can take to minimize the already very rare chances of contracting the infection.

The amebic infection, abbreviated and referred to as PAM, is identified as common and naturally present in warm freshwater bodies of water and can be contracted by entering the body through the nose.

Preventative measures include: holding your nose shut or using nose clips, keep your head above water in areas of hot springs, avoid activities during high-water temperatures and avoid digging in or stirring up sediment in areas of warm freshwater.

Symptoms of an unlikely infection include: headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, altered mental status and hallucinations.

There has been no confirmation that the recent report of the brain-eating infection being linked to Lake of the Ozarks with an unconfirmed report that the victim may have been out-of-state before visiting the lake and coming down ill.

Additionally, the Lake during the past few weeks, has been the hottest for the period…at times hitting near 100 degrees.