Amoeba deaths and warm water

[tomturbomatic]

In this article is an interesting factoid about where this deadly, brain destroying amoeba can be found: in water heaters kept below 117F. Improbable? Yes. Impossible? No. I am thinking of not only people trying to save energy, but also vacation cabins where water is heated just enough for showers and such. Given variations in thermostats and their performance, a tank set at 120F could be holding water that is cooler.

http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/163275/28/Brain-Eating-Amoeba-Rare-But-Deadly-How-To-Stay-Safe

 

[58limited]

Interesting, didn't know they would get into a water heater, but I guess if people use lake or river water its possible. I keep my water heater turned up to near maximum.

 

Barton Creek in Austin, Tx has a history of amoeba infections, always in the summer when it is hot, no rain, and the water is stagnant.

 

[norgeway]

This is why!

I NEVER swim in lakes or water ski, I used to as a kid, but not any more!

 

[sudsmaster]

A simple nose clip is supposed to prevent the infection.

 

[lordkenmore]

A simple nose clip is supposed to prevent the infection.

Yes, the article mentioned that.

If I were in the position of needing this nose clip for a hypothetical day at the lake, I'd buy something from a company that has an established history with aquatic activities and NOT from some company that is only interested in finding some new thing to make out of plastic to generate a few bucks. For example, I'd consider buying Tyr or Speedo, and I'd probably avoid the 59 cent special at "It's Less Than a Dollar! Store."

Also: I don't know how much variation there is with noses and the ability of a given clip to work, but I'd assume the worst, and thoroughly test the clip in a chlorinated swimming pool before trusting it in a lake setting.