Naegleria infection

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Naegleria infection is rare. You're likely at some — although low — risk of naegleria infection anytime you swim or participate in water sports in freshwater lakes, rivers and hot springs. This is particularly true in higher risk areas such as the southern United States. You may also be at greater risk during warm and dry summer months. This is especially true during years when there are heat waves. Improperly chlorinated or poorly maintained swimming pools also may put you at risk.

DS01066

March 25, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger