#16,739
At the start to each summer we take a look at a rare, mostly fatal brain infection caused by free living amebas (Naegleria fowleri) that inhabit warm, fresh water (see A Reminder About Naegleria Season - 2019).
Dubbed the `brain eating amoeba' by the press - this infection is called PAM (Primary amebic meningoencephalitis) - and occurs when the amoeba enters the brain through the nasal passages, usually due to the forceful aspiration of contaminated water into the nose.
We generally only hear about 3 or 4 cases in the United States each summer, but in 2017 a research letter written by epidemiologists at the CDC (see EID Journal: Estimation of Undiagnosed Naegleria fowleri (PAM), United States) estimated the yearly number PAM cases in the United States probably averages closer to 16 (8 males, 8 females).
Meaning that right now - although almost universally fatal if untreated - 70%-80% likely go unrecognized.
Until a few years ago, nearly all of the Naegleria infections reported in the United States were linked to swimming in warm, stagnant freshwater ponds and lakes (see Naegleria: Rare, 99% Fatal & Preventable), making this pretty much a summer time threat.
In 2011, however, we saw two cases reported in Neti pot users from Louisiana, prompting the Louisiana Health Department to recommend that people `use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution’ (see Neti Pots & Naegleria Fowleri).
Photo Credit – Wikipedia Commons
While rare in the United States, every year Pakistan reports a dozen or more infections from this `killer amoeba’, as chlorination of their water supplies is often inadequate, and for many, nasal ablutions are part of their daily ritual.
In 2013, in Louisiana: St. Bernard Parish Water Supply Tests Positive For Naegleria Fowleri, we saw the tragic story of a 4-year-old Mississippi child visiting a St. Bernard Parish home, who (according to this NOLA.COM report) appears to have contracted the amoeba while playing with a water hose and a slip-and-slide.
Five years ago we looked at an MMWR: Epidemiological Investigation Into A Case Of Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis in California which suggested a poorly chlorinated spring-fed swimming pool was the likely source of infection and death of a 21 year old woman.
While most PAM infections are linked to warm, stagnant freshwater ponds and lakes, this isn't the only report of finding Naegleria in an improperly maintained swimming pool (PubMed returns 68 hits), although most incidents have occurred outside the United States.
As a thermophilic (heat-loving), free-living amoeba, it is hardly surprising to see that Florida and Texas lead the nation in cases over the past three decades, although infections have occurred as far north as Minnesota. 
Credit Florida DOH
The State of Florida's Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) website recommends:
The only known way to prevent Naegleria fowleri infections is to refrain from water-related activities. However, some common-sense measures that might reduce risk by limiting the chance of contaminated water going up the nose include:
- Avoiding water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs, and thermally-polluted water such as water around power plants.
- Avoiding water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.
- Holding the nose shut or using nose clips when taking part in water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.
- Avoiding digging or stirring up sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
Recreational water users should assume that there is always a low-level of risk associated with entering all warm fresh water in southern tier states. Because the location and number of ameba in the water can vary a lot over time, posting signs is unlikely to be an effective way to prevent infections. In addition, posting signs on only some fresh water bodies might create a misconception that bodies of water that are not posted are Naegleria-free.
Information about the risks associated with Naegleria fowleri infection should be included in public health messages discussing general issues of recreational water safety and risk.
When preparing solutions of tap water for sinus irrigation, the user should use tap water previously boiled for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes) and left to cool, use water filtered with an absolute filter pore size of 1 micron or smaller, or use clearly marked distilled or sterile water in the irrigation device. Rinse the irrigation device after each use with water that has been previously boiled, filtered, distilled, or sterilized and leave the device open to air dry completely.
Up until fairly recently, infection with Naegleria fowleri was universally fatal, but in 2013 an investigational drug called miltefosine was used successfully for the first time to treat the infection. Early diagnosis, and administration of this drug, are crucial however.
Even with this new drug, prevention is the key to saving lives, and leading the charge in educating the public is http://amoeba-season.com/, a USF Philip T. Gompf Memorial Fund project, which was set up by a pair of Florida doctors who tragically lost their 10 year-old son to this parasite in 2009.
After two summers of COVID restrictions, many people are understandably anxious to get out and enjoy summer activities, and while fears of Naegleria shouldn't deter them, a few simple precautions can help prevent a tragic outcome.
For more information on the Naegleria parasite, you can also visit the CDC’s Naegleria webpage.