Scientists say Iowa's future climate could lead to more amoeba cases

The state is still waiting for test results to confirm the brain-eating amoeba infection came from the Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County. Experts say the discovery could be caused by rising temperatures in our state. It's possible that brain-eating amoebas in Iowa could be a new norm. Infections are extremely rare, but experts they're now more of a concern and Easter Lake is just one of the many bodies of water that could see an impact.KCCI Chief Meteorologist Chris Gloninger says climate change could be driving the deadly parasite to the Midwest."Species that were once not native to this area starting to appear. Not just invasive species like vegetation or animals, but in this case a brain-eating amoeba," Gloninger said.Infections usually happen in southern states when temperatures hit triple digits and warm up lakes and rivers.But a recent study found the parasite is popping up in the Midwest more often, which could be because of rising temperatures."You need a long number of days that are into the 90s or into the triple digits for that water to respond and heat up, and that's kind of our new normal," Gloninger said. As the planet warms, he says Iowa's in store for more above-90 degree days, creating conditions ripe for deadly amoebas."Now that it's here, it's going to be a chronic problem. Thankfully, the case numbers are low, not just here but nationally. But we're kind of in that environment in that set up where now that it's here, our weather's not going to be getting cooler," Gloninger said.Cases are still extremely rare, with only 154 infections nationwide since 1962.That's something that gives lake-goers like Michell Mullin peace of mind."I guess I'm not super concerned. I feel like they would take control of it if there was an issue, but with COVID and stuff it's kind of the least of my concerns," Mullin said.Mullin said the threat won't stop her time out on the water, "It's not going to slow these girls down at all so we got to live." The amoeba has not been detected at Easter Lake.To limit risk of infection, health officials say you should avoid water-related activities in lakes and rivers when the water is really hot. And if you are out on the water, they say you should hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water. Despite its name, the amoeba mainly eats bacteria, not brains. However, it does destroy brain tissue.Doctors say it's hard to treat because the infection goes through the protective barrier around the brain, making it harder for the body to fight off. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says infection risk remains very low.Fast diagnosis and aggressive treatments, like therapeutic hypothermia, have saved some lives in recent years.Watch: 'Brain-eating amoeba' is as rare as it is deadly

DES MOINES, Iowa —

The state is still waiting for test results to confirm the brain-eating amoeba infection came from the Lake of Three Fires in Taylor County.

Experts say the discovery could be caused by rising temperatures in our state. It's possible that brain-eating amoebas in Iowa could be a new norm.

Infections are extremely rare, but experts they're now more of a concern and Easter Lake is just one of the many bodies of water that could see an impact.

KCCI Chief Meteorologist Chris Gloninger says climate change could be driving the deadly parasite to the Midwest.

"Species that were once not native to this area starting to appear. Not just invasive species like vegetation or animals, but in this case a brain-eating amoeba," Gloninger said.

Infections usually happen in southern states when temperatures hit triple digits and warm up lakes and rivers.

But a recent study found the parasite is popping up in the Midwest more often, which could be because of rising temperatures.

"You need a long number of days that are into the 90s or into the triple digits for that water to respond and heat up, and that's kind of our new normal," Gloninger said.

As the planet warms, he says Iowa's in store for more above-90 degree days, creating conditions ripe for deadly amoebas.

"Now that it's here, it's going to be a chronic problem. Thankfully, the case numbers are low, not just here but nationally. But we're kind of in that environment in that set up where now that it's here, our weather's not going to be getting cooler," Gloninger said.

Cases are still extremely rare, with only 154 infections nationwide since 1962.

That's something that gives lake-goers like Michell Mullin peace of mind.

"I guess I'm not super concerned. I feel like they would take control of it if there was an issue, but with COVID and stuff it's kind of the least of my concerns," Mullin said.

Mullin said the threat won't stop her time out on the water, "It's not going to slow these girls down at all so we got to live."

The amoeba has not been detected at Easter Lake.

To limit risk of infection, health officials say you should avoid water-related activities in lakes and rivers when the water is really hot. And if you are out on the water, they say you should hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water.

Despite its name, the amoeba mainly eats bacteria, not brains. However, it does destroy brain tissue.

Doctors say it's hard to treat because the infection goes through the protective barrier around the brain, making it harder for the body to fight off.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says infection risk remains very low.

Fast diagnosis and aggressive treatments, like therapeutic hypothermia, have saved some lives in recent years.

Watch: 'Brain-eating amoeba' is as rare as it is deadly

Scientists say Iowa's future climate could lead to more amoeba cases

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