Story: Thermal pools and spas

Researching amoebic meningitis

Researching amoebic meningitis

In the space of five weeks in 1968, four young people died after swimming and diving at a Matamata hot pool. The cause was identified as amoebic meningitis. The disease is contracted when an amoeba that lives in hot springs enters the brain through the nose. These and other deaths prompted scientific research into amoebic meningitis, which had not previously been encountered in New Zealand. This researcher at the National Health Institute is processing samples in 1972.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: AAQT 6421 B1532

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Thermal pools and spas - Leisure and pleasure', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6604/researching-amoebic-meningitis (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 12 Jun 2006