Austin News
Deadly lake disease causing concern
08:48 AM CDT on Monday, September 10, 2007
A second death from amoebic meningitis this summer has a lot of people worried and one mother calling for change. In both cases the victims had been swimming at Lake LBJ, but the threat is not just limited to that location. Practically every fresh water lake in Texas can pose a risk. But state health officials say the risk of becoming infected is small and there is no cause for panic.
When you pass through the gates to Water E. Long Lake, like at most public parks, you'll see a lot of warning signs. But none of them offer any information about possible water borne illness. It's information every person who uses a public lake needs, according to Melissa Brown.
"How many more children are we going to have to lose before something is done?" said Brown.
From her home in the small town of Lexington, Brown is launching a campaign she prays will save lives. It is a deeply personal fight. Two years ago, her son died from amoebic meningitis. 7 year old Brandon Hess was on a camping trip with his father at Lake Summerville.
"He was swimming and he got water up his nose, and that is how they think it went in through his nose, and that’s how he got it," said Brown.
Brandon suffered flu like symptoms, and was dead a week later. Since Brandon's death there have not been any reported cases of amebic meningitis in Texas, no cases, until now.
Friday, it was confirmed 22 year old Colby Sawyer of Lubbock was killed by the parasite after wake boarding in Lake LBJ.
12 year old Jack Herrera from the Austin area, died last month after swimming in Lake LBJ.
The amoeba thrives when water temperatures reach and exceed 80 degrees. Melissa Brown believes state officials could, and should monitor those temperatures.
"Temperature is not that hard to measure, why are not more precautions made when the water reaches above 80 degrees?" asked Brown.
Saturday several families played in the water at the Walter E. Long Lake. Some had heard about the amoebic meningitis cases, but did not know what caused the problem. Travis Adams, who was with his wife and 7 year old daughter, agrees with Melissa Brown, that more information should be available.
"Yes most definitely, I'd be cautious about bringing my kids out here, I'd basically let them know not to submerse themselves, keep their head above water." said Adams.
KVUE News
For now, Adams may not let his daughter back in the water until he knows more about the risk. It is a second chance for him, one Melissa Brown wished she had two years ago.
"Something has to be done," said Brown.
Melissa Brown and Jack Herrera's mother are teaming up. They plan to work with the Meningitis Foundation chapter of Fort Worth on developing some type of informational campaign.
The state is waiting for a second round of test results related to Sawyer’s death, so for now officially there have been 35 cases in the state since 1972.
More Austin Headlines...
Most Viewed Stories
Below is a list of the most popular stories read by our subscribers this week.
Lottery decision disappoints Grand Prairie man
TV: 3-foot ordinance goes into effect Monday
What to do if your car goes underwater
New football helmet designed to reduce concussion effects
Officials seize Bentley, Maserati, jewelry in gang-related drug bust




