The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Naegleria fowleri as an ameba found around the world that lives in soil and warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers and hot springs. The ameba can also sometimes be found in warm water discharge from industrial plants, tap water, or other recreational water that is not treated or undertreated, such as some splash pads, surf parks or other recreational venues. CDC also cautions that Naegleria fowleri can grow in pipes, hot water heaters and water systems, including treated public drinking water systems.

Naegleria fowleri is commonly called the “braineating ameba” because it can cause a brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) when water containing the ameba goes up the nose. While these infections are rare, they are also tragically almost always fatal.

CDC warns infections are most often associated with swimming or diving during the summer. Infection has also happened when people use contaminated drinking water to cleanse their nasal passages during religious practices, use contaminated tap water in a neti pot or other device to rinse their sinuses through the nose, or get the contaminated water up their nose during recreational play.

These are just a few of the many things to know about Naegleria fowleri and potential exposure risks. To learn more about this or other infection control, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

Clark Seif Clark https://www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. https://www.emsl.com
LA Testing https://www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental https://www.zimmetry.com
CTSI https://www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine https://www.healthyindoors.com