Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis: All you need to know about rare infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba

Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic, single-cell amoeba which is found in freshwater, lakes and hot springs during the summer season and prefers temperatures between 25-40 degrees Celsius. On Saturday, 4 July 2020, Florida’s Department of Health shared a statement on Twitter, stating that they have found a case of Naegleria fowleri infection in their city and have warned people to stay away from the warm freshwater and hot springs. It usually enters through the nose and then travels up to the brain to cause very rare but extremely fatal brain infection, primary amebic meningoencephalitis. Following things are needed to be done in the areas suspected with Naegleria fowleri: Do not dive or swim in the warm freshwater bodies and thermal pools until the officials announce it infection-free Empty and clean all the small pools around you Make sure that the water in the swimming pools and spas are adequately chlorinated The sprinklers and hoses should be flushed with stagnant water before being used.