Naegleria infection risk factors
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Infection with Naegleria is very rare. However, when it does occur, infection is most common during the dry, summer months, when the air temperature is hot, the water is warm, and water levels are low. The number of infections increase during years characterized by heat waves.
Risk Factors
Naegleria fowleri is found around the world. In the United States, the majority of infections have been caused by Naegleria fowleri from warm freshwater located in southern-tier states. The ameba can be found in:
- Factors that can increase your risk of meningitis include:
- Bodies of warm freshwater, such as lakes and rivers
- Geothermal (naturally hot) water, such as hot springs
- Warm water discharge from industrial plants
- Geothermal (naturally hot) drinking water sources
- Soil
- Swimming pools that are poorly maintained, minimally-chlorinated, and/or un-chlorinated
- Water heaters with temperatures less than 47°C
Naegleria fowleri is not found in salt water, like the ocean.
References