Naegleria is an ameba that is found in the environment and Naegleria fowleri is the only species found to infect humans. This ameba is most often found in bodies of warm, fresh water.
Infection from Naegleria occurs when the ameba enters the body through the nose. It then makes its way to the brain and spinal cord. The disease progresses rapidly and death usually results within 3 to 7 days.
Naegleria fowleri is very rare as infections occur in 1 per 2.6 million. However, it should be noted that illness and death is not rare as it relates to recreational waterborne illnesses. Every summer when the water levels are low and the temperatures begin to rise over 80 degrees water becomes a breeding ground for infectious diseases.
DISEASE
Today there is no cure for Naegleria fowleri. However, you can avoid exposure to Naegleria and other waterborne bacteria by holding the nose or using nose clips when jumping and diving into fresh water. Also, avoid lakes, ponds, and any pools of water that are warm and shallow.
For more information on Naegleria fowleri and the disease that killed four-year-old Emerald Watson please visit the Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov and search for Recreational Water Illnesses and/or Naegleria fowleri. Or, follow the link at http://www.marshajohnson.net.
(This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider. If you have any questions about the disease described above or feel that you may have a parasitic infection, consult your doctor.)
Waterborne Disease - What Is Naegleria Fowleri? DISEASE
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