(Des Moines, IA) Today, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in conjunction with the CDC, have confirmed the presence of Naegleria fowleri in Lake of Three Fires located in Taylor County.
Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that commonly occurs in warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals. In extremely rare cases, it can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that may result when water containing the amoeba rushes up the nose and reaches the brain.
Earlier this month, a Missouri resident contracted PAM after swimming in the Lake of Three Fires and subsequently died due to the infection.
With testing now complete, DNR will reopen the beach at Lake of Three Fires on Thursday, July 28, 2022, with signage informing swimmers of the presence of Naegleria fowleri and risk of PAM.
Further testing of additional recreational waters is not planned at this time. There is no rapid, standardized test to detect Naegleria fowleri in water, which is why HHS and DNR recommend that Iowans assume the parasite is present and limit the amount of water that goes up your nose to help reduce your risk of infection. Swimmers are encouraged to be informed and take precautions.
