Austin, TX

For the second time in recent months the medical examiner has declared exposure to primary amoebic meningoencephalitis as the culprit in a death contracted at Lake LBJ in Austin. 22-year-old Colby Sawyer, of Lubbock, died Tuesday after wakeboarding at Lake LBJ.

Just last month 12 year old John “Jack” Herrera, of Austin, died after swimming there during summer camp.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but fatal form of meningitis characterized by inflammation of the brain. It is more common in warm places and likes stagnant water with temperatures greater than 80° F. Contraction of the virus occurs when the organism gains access to the brain, usually through the nasal passages.

Symptoms of the disease usually make an appearance 3-5 days after exposure and may include fever, severe headache, vomiting and a stiff neck. According to a statement released by the Texas Department of State Health:

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials said today they will wait for the results of confirmatory laboratory tests before making a final determination on the cause of death of a Lubbock County man who died after engaging in some kind of recreational activity in Lake LBJ.

DSHS officials said this does not mean they are disputing the findings of Lubbock authorities who announced earlier today that the man died of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Although this is a rare disease, two deaths in one month warrant extra precautions. I would highly advise you avoid swimming in Lake LBJ in particular or any stagnant water where the temperature is above 80° F. If you do plan to swim, avoid murky water, don’t dive down, don’t stir up the bottom and for goodness sake, hold your nose!

Austin, deaths, Lake LBJ, meningitis, PAM, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, Colby Sawyer, John Herrera, swimming, DSHS