Naegleria infection

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

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Definition

Naegleria infection is caused by the amoeba Naegleria fowleri — a microscopic organism that lives in fresh water and soil. Naegleria infection most often occurs when the naegleria amoeba enters your body through your nose while swimming or participating in water sports. Once inside your nose, the amoeba makes its way to your brain. There, it causes inflammation and destroys brain tissue.

Naegleria infection is very rare. Only 31 cases occurred in the United States between 1989 and 2002. About 200 cases of naegleria infection have been reported worldwide.

Treatment with certain drugs may be successful if given early in a naegleria infection. But most naegleria infections result in death. Avoiding certain warm bodies of fresh water and wearing nose clips while in the water may help prevent such infections.

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Symptoms