I ski in Texas, and these reports make headlines every year, as they should because how tragic it is and how rare it is. From what I’ve been told by the water people, the amoeba is present in the water all the time. However, concentrations of it in warm water are greater, especially stagnant water. Additionally, people are obviously more active in the water when it is warm, thus the higher likelihood that exposure will occur. But I’ve also heard that exposure does not necessarily result in infection. It depends on the person. I have no scientific evidence to offer as proof, but it seems to make sense - if the organism is present in water, even in high concentrations in the summer, and even with most of us getting some water up our nose, but only some people die. Though I think about it every year, it is something akin to driving in a car down the road not knowing the other guy on the road that may be a risk. It certainly is sad to read about each case, especially because it is usually involves younger people (more kids in the water than adults), but given the rarity, I won’t stop living my life.