What is naegleria?

Naegleria is a genus of amoebas that are found in soil, freshwater, and warm bodies of water such as hot springs and geysers. One species of Naegleria, Naegleria fowleri, can cause a rare but deadly brain infection known as primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

This infection occurs when the amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically during activities such as swimming, diving, or using contaminated nasal irrigation devices. The amoeba then travels to the brain, where it causes inflammation and destruction of nervous tissue.

PAM is a rare disease, with only a few cases reported each year in the United States. It is almost always fatal, with a mortality rate of over 97%. Symptoms of PAM include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and coma.

To prevent infection from Naegleria fowleri, it is important to avoid swimming or diving in warm bodies of freshwater, or to use a nose clip when engaging in these activities. It is also important to use sterile water when performing nasal irrigation, and to properly maintain and disinfect swimming pools and hot tubs.