Re: Brain-Eating Amoebas

http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/13/health/new-amoeba-case-florida

Hopefully conditions in the Sierra don't allow these things to prosper. I've had these things on my mind when taking dips in Yosemite waters. Nasty creatures.

Isn't this the beastie that is responsible for the "don't dunk your head in Rocky Mountain hot springs in winter" general advice (the described transmission method sounds familiar)? Interesting that the article notes most cases are in the Southeast.

I don't know about the hot springs in the Rockies but the same amoeba is found in Yellowstone in what they call the Boiling River area about 4 miles from the park's North Gate near the 45th Parallel. I remember seeing warning signs there.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/09/15/222197599/deadly-amoeba-found-for-first-time-in-municipal-water-supply

First case in drinking water. Good news: a survivor. Unfort, it also took the life of a 4-year old.