5 Things You Need to Know About Amoebic Meningitis

1. Killer Amoeba is to Blame

You cannot see the single celled amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, that causes a deadly form of meningitis known as amoebic meningitis. Amoebic meningitis, also known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), is extremely rare in the United States. The Center for Disease Control reports only 24 cases since 1995. Naegleria fowleri live in soil and fresh water all over the world and since its discovery in the 1960s, 15 countries have reported cases of amoebic meningitis. Learn about this rare and deadly disease especially if you plan to travel to Australia or visit geothermal pools or hot springs.

2. Hold Your Nose

Avoid allowing water to enter your nose when entering geothermal pools, hot springs or warm bodies of fresh water. Naegleria fowleri live in soil and water but thrive and infect humans in fresh water between 82 and 104 degrees F. Dirty swimming pools, spas, rivers, ponds or garden hoses holding stagnant water are all breeding grounds for Naegleria fowleri. The amoeba enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain and spinal cord. Death results from amoebic meningitis because of brain inflammation and the resulting destruction of brain tissue. Use nose clips when visiting geothermal pools or hot springs. Swim only in chlorinated pools and spas. Avoid fresh water swimming holes or rivers during extremely hot weather when the water temperature approaches 80 degrees F or higher. Clean wading pools daily and allow untreated tap water to run for several minutes before using.

3. Call the Doc

Call your doctor if you begin to experience a stiff neck, severe headache, nausea and vomiting one day to two weeks after engaging in high risk activities. Amoebic meningitis progresses quickly so if confusion, loss of balance or hallucinations are present, call your doctor or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Death occurs three to seven days after the onset of symptoms.

4. Is it Contagious?

Do not worry about personal contact with those infected with amoebic meningitis. The disease is not contagious. Watch for similar symptoms among individuals who engaged in aquatic activities with an infected person.

5. Safe Waters

Prevention is the only cure for amoebic meningitis at this time. Swim in salt water or chlorinated pools to completely eliminate all risk. Salt and chlorine kill Naegleria fowleri. Avoid swimming in fresh water during heat waves or use a nose clip. Heed all warnings posted concerning possibly infected waters. Walk or lower yourself into at-risk water. Save the jumping and swimming for the sea or the pool. Remember, the risk of infection is low in the U.S. but once infected, the disease is almost always deadly.