Boy's death leads to Polk swimming advisory

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tbo.com
Published: September 28, 2009

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BARTOW --

A health advisory has been issued for swimmers in Polk County after a 10-year-old died of an infection of the central nervous system.

The health department reported Monday that the child died last month of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis - or PAM. It's an infection caused by a naturally occurring amoeba.

The child had gone swimming in Lake Arietta. Health officials said tests confirmed that he suffered from a serious form of meningitis and encephalitis. Final tests were consistent with PAM.

The amoeba can be found in fresh water and swimming pools with little or nonchlorinated water. It can cause PAM by traveling up the nose to the brain and spinal cord. The threat of infection, although very rare, increases especially during hot summer months