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Yellowstone: The Don'ts of Yellowstone National Park

A rare "brain-eating amoeba ," Naegleria fowleri , has been detected in recreational waters at several western national parks .

The amoeba was specifically found in samples taken from Lake Mead, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park.

A study by the U.S. Geological Survey and partner agencies surveyed 40 thermally impacted recreational waters, finding the amoeba in approximately one-third of the 185 samples.

Naegleria fowleri thrives in warm freshwater and causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection with a 98 percent fatality rate.

Researchers recommend enhanced monitoring and public awareness, noting that warming global temperatures may lead to the organism expanding to new geographic areas.

In full Rare brain-eating amoeba found in water at several western national parks –…