Augusta, GA

AU patient dies from ‘brain-eating amoeba’ infection

Published

2 years ago

July 31, 2023

AU patient dies from ‘brain-eating amoeba’ infection

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A Georgia resident has died from a rare amoeba infection of the brain, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported Friday.

Augusta University Health confirms with News 12 that this was a local case.

The patient likely got the Naegleria fowleri infection – which destroys brain tissue, causing brain swelling and usually death – while swimming in a freshwater lake or pond in Georgia.

The health department did not say who the person was, how old they were or what body of water they were swimming in. We asked them for more information on Monday and they said, “The information we can provide is in the news release.”

We’ve reached out to local coroners to find out more information.

What is Naegleria fowleri?

The amoeba lives in soil and warm, freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds, and hot springs.

The amoeba is naturally occurring, and there is no routine environmental test for Naegleria fowleri in bodies of water; because it is very common in the environment, levels of the amoeba that naturally occur cannot be controlled.

It’s commonly called the “brain-eating amoeba” because it can cause a brain infection, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis when water containing the amoeba goes up the nose. It cannot infect people if swallowed and is not spread from person to person.

How does Naegleria fowleri infect people?

Only about three people in the United States get infected each year, but these infections are usually fatal, according to the department.

The location and number of amoebas in the water can vary over time within the same body of water.

What are the symptoms of Naegleria fowleri?

Symptoms typically start with severe headache, fever, nausea and vomiting and progress to stiff neck, seizures, and coma that can lead to death.

Officials say symptoms usually begin about five days after infection but can start within 1 to 12 days.

The disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within about five days, according to the department.

How to keep yourself safe?

Though the risk of infection is low, officials say recreational water users should always assume there is a risk when they enter warm fresh water.

If you choose to swim, you can reduce your risk of infection by limiting the amount of water that goes up the nose.

The CDC recommends the following:

Avoid jumping or diving into bodies of warm freshwater, especially during the summer.
Hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water when in bodies of warm fresh water.
Avoid putting your head underwater in hot springs and other untreated geothermal waters.
Avoid digging in, or stirring up, the sediment in shallow, warm fresh water. The amoebae are more likely to live in sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds, and rivers.

Prior to this confirmed case, there have been five other cases reported in Georgia since 1962.

For information about safe swimming, click HERE.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta commissioners look at hiring arborist for tress downtown

Published

16 hours ago

May 14, 2025

Press Room

Augusta commissioners look at hiring arborist for tress downtown

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – If you have been to downtown Augusta lately, you may have noticed that trees have been cut down.

At Tuesday’s commission meeting, commissioners talked about hiring an arborist to help decide on the removal of trees in the county.

Commissioner Catherine Rice says she brought up this issue years ago and has received complaints about the trees down on Broad Street.

The Director of Engineering, Dr. Malik, says there are arborists in his department on call, and they are not on city contract.

Neighbors say they hope to see improvement in the area.

“The thing I was noticing is that it just doesn’t look very appealing or not much incentive,” said Victor Ishizaki, a neighbor. “It just doesn’t look appealing, you know it looks a little trashy in a sense, even with the sidewalks still some of them looking at just the concrete lifted in areas because of the root movement.”

Deputies investigating suspicious death on Harding Road

Another neighbor tells us, she is looking forward to what the next steps will bring.

“There’s no more shade, it looks kind of disheveled to be honest, we’re hoping for them to come back soon,” said Rose Baxeley, a neighbor. “It’s sad to see the trees go, but I’m happy to know there is improvement coming, so just excited for what’s to come.”

The commissioners say they are moving this discussion to the next committee.

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Augusta, GA

Victim identified in suspicious death on Harding Road

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2025

Press Room

Victim identified in suspicious death on Harding Road

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office says it’s investigating a suspicious death that occurred on Tuesday.

Around 9:45 a.m., deputies say they responded to the 2200 block of Harding Road in reference to a suspicious death.

On scene, deputies say they were escorted to the deceased victim by the victim’s friend.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office says it responded to a condemned home on Harding Road.

The victim has been identified the victim as David Grigg, 62, according to the coroner’s office.

“A male was found in the front room of the residence, which was unsafe, nasty and uninhabitable,” said Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.

The male was pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy will be scheduled.

We are working to learn more on this incident.

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Augusta, GA

Horst Shewmaker Expands Augusta Services: Expert Auto Accident Attorney Support for Victims

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2025

Press Room

Horst Shewmaker Expands Augusta Services: Expert Auto Accident Attorney Support for Victims

Horst Shewmaker, a respected personal injury law firm, is now expanding its services to help clients involved in car accidents in Augusta, Georgia. The firm is dedicated to supporting people affected by negligence, offering legal assistance to those dealing with the effects of auto crashes. The lawyers at Horst Shewmaker work hard to secure fair compensation for their clients, easing the stress of medical bills, lost earnings, and other related problems.

For a deeper understanding of the firm’s expansive services in managing auto accident cases, visit Horst Shewmaker’s website.

The firm focuses especially on rear-end collision cases. These accidents are common and often cause serious injuries, which require thorough legal guidance. The skilled lawyers at Horst Shewmaker are ready to tackle the challenges these cases bring. They conduct detailed investigations of each accident, assess the damages, and negotiate with insurance companies to get fair settlements.

Michael Horst, a founding attorney, spoke about the firm’s dedication to helping rear-end accident victims. “We are committed to guiding our clients through the aftermath of a rear-end collision. With proper legal help, victims can concentrate on healing while we work to maximize their compensation,” said Horst.

To help clients understand car accident compensation claims, Horst Shewmaker car injury lawyer has developed resources that explain the key factors impacting claim values. By breaking down the effects of injury severity, medical costs, and liability issues, the firm seeks to empower clients with crucial knowledge for their financial recovery. This proactive method ensures clients are well-informed and ready to address the legal challenges they might encounter. More insights can be found on their blog, offering advice on various legal topics related to personal injury law.

Horst further explained the firm’s strategy, stating, “It’s crucial to grasp the many factors that can affect a compensation claim. With our expertise, we guide our clients through every step, from evaluating injuries to dealing with insurance representatives, to achieve a fair result.”

Knowing the steps to take immediately after a car accident is important. Horst Shewmaker assists clients with getting needed medical attention, collecting evidence, and understanding the legal rights under Georgia law. They have noticed over time that car crashes often cause whiplash, concussions, and various musculoskeletal injuries, requiring prompt and ongoing medical care. They highlight the role of a knowledgeable attorney in managing these cases to ensure clients receive the compensation necessary for continued medical treatment and recovery.

Hit-and-run incidents present extra challenges due to the missing party involved. Georgia’s hit-and-run laws are strict, yet victims often struggle to find the person responsible. Horst Shewmaker thoroughly understands these legal matters and the required steps to safeguard victims’ rights. The firm works hard to discover ways to recover in these situations and is prepared to take assertive action on behalf of hit-and-run victims. Detailed resources addressing these issues are available on their news section, providing updates on recent cases and legal developments.

For those involved in minor car accidents, seeking legal counsel might not immediately seem necessary. However, Horst Shewmaker advises that even small crashes can lead to hidden injuries and complicated insurance issues. Their lawyers provide clear advice on handling such cases, ensuring that potential problems are resolved efficiently, leading to the best possible compensation for their clients.

The firm also deals extensively with specific injuries like whiplash. The impact of whiplash can vary greatly, and settlements must fully address the injury’s true extent. Horst Shewmaker informs their clients on how different elements influence settlement outcomes, stressing that having quality legal representation is a critical part of the process. Clients seeking information on whiplash settlements can find guidance through their informational videos section, adding further clarity to their legal journey.

Horst Shewmaker’s services in Augusta are focused on protecting the rights of car accident victims and achieving the results they deserve. Their office remains an essential resource for anyone needing help in personal injury cases, ensuring that legal guidance and client care remain top priorities.

For more information about how Horst Shewmaker car injury lawyer services can assist, visit their Google Maps page. People wishing to learn more about factors affecting compensation can explore more from Horst Shewmaker car accident compensation lawyer through their tailored resources and online case consultations.

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For more information about Horst Shewmaker, LLC Augusta, contact the company here:

Horst Shewmaker, LLC Augusta
Michael Horst
7065285920
info@horstshewmaker.com
930 Stevens Creek Rd Suite 1, Augusta, GA 30907

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