Guest on Florida Property Injuries

Nagelerai Fowleri

Information provided by an Orlando Wrongful Death Attorney from the William McBride Law Group, P.A.

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Naegleria fowleri is an amoebic organism which lives in soil, vegetation and warm water ( 25–35 degrees Celsius / 77–95 degrees Fahrenheit). Recently, it has been termed the “brain eating amoeba” by the press because it infects the human brain and nervous system. Naegleria fowleri infections are very rare, but when the amoeba is able to attack the body, the result is almost always fatal.

Because the Naegleria fowleri amoebae live in warm water, infections have been traced to swimming pools, water parks, lakes and streams. In summer months, when water temperatures rise, state health departments are increasingly aware of this potential public health issue. At the William McBride Law Group, the Orlando property guest attorney has been aware of the hazards that improperly sanitized swimming pools can pose.

Responsibility of Property Owners

In Florida, cases have been brought against swimming properties for their negligence in not warning the public about possible Naegleria fowleri infections. Due to the efforts of Orlando injury attorneys, swimming properties are now required to maintain chlorine levels of 1-2 parts per million to protect guests from amoebic infection. However, additional warning measures, such as signage, are recommended.

How Naegleria Fowleri Infects

Naegleria fowleri can infect humans when the water in which it lives is forced through the nose, as in the case of diving into pools or swimming underwater. The Naegleria fowleri amoebae enter the nose and travel to the brain where they cause a disease called Primary Amoebic Meningitis (PAM). PAM has a 95% mortality rate, and presents with symptoms that may include:
  • Back and neck stiffness, cramping and pain
  • Weakness, severe headaches and seizures
  • Light sensitive eyes, double vision and droopy eyelids
  • Nosebleeds
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Swollen, painful lymph nodes
  • Decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of smell or problems tasting food
  • Confusion, hallucinations and difficulty with concentration
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In the Event of a Hotel Injury/Death

PAM may cause fluid buildup in the brain, severe headaches and coma. Death follows rapidly once symptoms are evident.

Naegleria Fowleri in Florida

Over 46% of lakes surveyed in Florida have the pathogenic amoebae, and the Florida Department of Health has warned swimmers to be wary of amoebic infection. Now on notice, it is incumbent of every public swimming pool and water park, especially in the state of Florida, to be aware of this issue.

Signs warning of possible Naegleria fowleri infections, advising the use of nose plugs and advising strong nose blowing after exposure to water should be posted in all warm water swimming areas. An Orlando personal injury lawyer will warn the owners of private swimming pools and hot tubs to be aware of possible amoebic activity and maintain their facilities accordingly.

If You Have Been Affected by Naegleria Fowleri

If you are in the tragic position of losing a loved one due to Naegleria fowleri amoebic infection, contact Orlando injury attorneys at the William McBride Law Group to discuss the potential liability of the swimming pool or water park involved.