The suspected cause of death for 18-year-old Lauren Seitz was attributed to Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis, an infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a one-celled organism that does not cause illness if swallowed, but can be fatal if forced up the nose.
Seitz was allegedly in Charlotte on a church choir trip. The group visited the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Officials say the only time Seitz was underwater recently was believed to be when she was riding in a raft with several others that overturned at the Whitewater Center.
Naegleria fowleri infections are rare. According to the CDC, fewer than 10 cases have been reported annually in the United State during the last 53 years. This ameba can cause severe illness up to nine days after exposure. A person cannot be infected with Naegleria fowleri by drinking contaminated water and the ameba is not found in salt water.
The Mecklenburg County Health Department, CDC, Ohio Department of Public Health, Franklin County (Ohio) Public Health Department, the U.S. National Whitewater Center and the North Carolina Division of Public Health are collaborating with further investigation.
In warmer areas where this infection has been more common, recommended precautions include:
Limit the amount of water going up your nose. Hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water when taking part in warm freshwater-related activities.
Avoid water-related activities in warm fresh water during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.
Avoid digging in, or stirring up, the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm fresh water areas.
For more information Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis visit http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/
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