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Naegleria Infection
(nuh-GLEER-e-uh)
What is Naegleria?
Naegleria is a
microscopic ameba commonly found in the environment. Only one species of Naegleria
has been found to infect humans, Naegleria
fowleri.
Where is Naegleria
found?
Naegleria
fowleri is found worldwide. Most commonly, the ameba is found in
the soil and in warm, stagnant bodies of fresh water, such as lakes,
rivers, and hot springs, unchlorinated swimming pools, and in warm
wastewater pools from power plants.
How does infection with Naegleria
occur?
Infections are rare.
The ameba enters the body through the nose and travel to the brain and
spinal cord while the person is swimming underwater or diving.
Infection is most
common during the dry, hot summer months, when the temperature is above
800 F and water
is warm.
What are the signs and symptoms
of Naegleria infection?
Headache, fever, nausea
and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and
surroundings, loss of balance and bodily control, seizures, and
hallucinations are signs and symptoms of infection. Naegleria fowleri
infection is also called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).
Symptoms worsen; infection usually results in death within 7-10 days.
Is there treatment for
infection with Naegleria?
Yes; however, most
cases are fatal if not diagnosed and treated immediately.
Can infection be spread from
person to person?
No.
How can I prevent an infection
with Naegleria?
- Do not swim in warm,
stagnant, fresh water, such as ponds or wastewater discharge pools, or
unchlorinated swimmimg pools.
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