FAQ Group: Naegleria Infection

The symptoms of Naegleria infection include: Severe headache High fever Nausea Vomiting Stiff neck Sensitivity to light (photophobia) Altered mental status (confusion, disorientation) Loss of balance Seizures Hallucinations Coma

People become infected when water containing Naegleria fowleri enters the nose and the ameba migrates to the brain along the olfactory nerve. People do not become infected from drinking contaminated water. The infection is caused by the following modes of exposure: Water Activities: Naegleria fowleri infection most commonly occurs when

Microscopic examination of fresh, unfrozen, unrefrigerated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Polymerase Chain Reaction: amplify DNA from the amebae in cerebrospinal fluid or tissue Antigen Detection

To prevent Naegleria fowleri infection, you can take the following precautions: Avoid warm freshwater: Don’t swim in lakes, hot springs, or stagnant pools. Use nose protection: Wear nose clips during water activities. Be careful with nasal irrigation: Use sterile water for neti pots. Follow pool guidelines: Ensure proper maintenance and

Currently, PAM is treated with a combination of drugs, often including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone. These drugs are used because they are thought to be effective against Naegleria fowleri and have been used to treat patients who survived.

Naegleria symptoms may be mild at first and include headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting. Later symptoms may include stiff neck, confusion, seizures, and hallucinations. The disease generally causes death within about 5 days after symptoms start.