In this Article

• What is Naegleria?
• Where is Naegleria found?
• How common is Naegleria infection?
• When is Naegleria infection most common?
• How does infection with Naegleria occur?
• What are the signs and symptoms of Naegleria infection?
• What should I do if I have been swimming or playing in freshwater and now think I have symptoms associated with Naegleria?
• Is there treatment for infection with Naegleria?
• Can infection be spread from person-to-person?
• How can I reduce the risk of infection with Naegleria?
• Can I get Naegleria infection from my swimming pool?
• Naegleria Infection Glossary
• Naegleria Infection Index

Can infection be spread from person-to-person?

No. Naegleria infection cannot be spread from person-to-person contact.

How can I reduce the risk of infection with Naegleria?

Naegleria is found in many freshwater lakes and rivers in the United States, particularly in southern tier states. Therefore, it is likely that a low risk of Naegleria infection will always be associated with swimming in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Some measures that may reduce this risk include:

• Avoid swimming or jumping into bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs, and thermally-polluted water such a water around power plants.



• Avoid swimming or jumping into freshwater during periods of high temperature and low water volume.



• Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when jumping or diving into bodies of warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.



• Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while swimming in shallow, warm freshwater areas.



• Do not swim in areas posted as "no swimming" or in areas warning about an increased risk of Naegleria infection.

For further information on protecting yourself from recreational water illnesses, go to http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming.

Can I get Naegleria infection from a swimming pool?

No. You cannot get Naegleria infection from a swimming pool as long as the pool is properly cleaned, maintained, and chlorinated.

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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