Naegleria Fowleri: Understanding the Deadly Brain Infection

Naegleria fowleri

* A free-living, single-celled protist

* Found in warm, freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and hot springs

* Can cause a rare but fatal brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)

* PAM is usually fatal, with symptoms developing within 1 to 7 days after exposure

* Symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, and coma

* Treatment for PAM is difficult and often unsuccessful

* Prevention is the best way to avoid PAM. Avoid swimming in warm, freshwater environments where Naegleria fowleri may be present. If you do swim in these environments, avoid getting water up your nose.