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Back Fact Sheet
* What is Naegleria?
* How does infection with Naegleria occur?
* Where is Naegleria found?
* Can I get a Naegleria infection from a disinfected swimming pool?
* How common are Naegleria infections in the United States?
* When do Naegleria infections most commonly occur?
* Can infection be spread from one person to another?
* What are the symptoms of Naegleria infection?
* Is there effective treatment for infection with Naegleria?
* What should I do if I have been swimming or playing in warm freshwater and now think I have symptoms associated with Naegleria?
* How common is Naegleria in the environment?
* Is there a routine and rapid test for Naegleria in the water?
* How does the risk of Naegleria fowleri infection compare with other water-related tasks?
* How will the public know if a lake or other water body has Naegleria?
* How can I reduce the risk of infection with Naegleria?
What is Naegleria?
Naegleria (nigh-GLEER-E-uh) is an ameba commonly found in warm freshwater and soil. Only one species of Naegleria infects people, Naegleria fowleri. It causes a very rare but severe brain infection. Most infections are fatal.
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How does infection with Naegleria occur?
Naegleria infects people by entering the body through the nose. Generally, this occurs when people use warm freshwater for activities like swimming or diving. The ameba travels up the nose to the brain and spinal cord where it destroys the brain tissue. Infections do not occur as a result of drinking contaminated water.
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Where is Naegleria found?
Naegleria fowleri is found around the world. In the United States, it has caused infections in 15 southern tier states (AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, LA, MO, MS, NC, NM, NV, OK, SC, TX, and VA). The ameba grows best in warm or hot water. Most commonly, the ameba may be found in:
* Bodies of warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers
* Geothermal (naturally hot) water such as hot springs
* Geothermal (naturally hot) drinking water sources
* Warm water discharge from industrial plants
* Poorly maintained and minimally-chlorinated or unchlorinated swimming pools
* Soil
Naegleria is not found in salt water locations like the ocean.
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Can I get Naegleria infection from a disinfected swimming pool?
No. You cannot get a Naegleria infection from a properly cleaned, maintained, and disinfected swimming pool.
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How common are Naegleria infections in the United States?
Infections are very rare even though Naegleria is commonly found in freshwater. In the 10 years from 1998 to 2007, 33 infections were reported in the U.S. Thirty-one people had contact with recreational water and two people had contact with water from a geothermal (naturally hot) water supply.
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