Brain-Eating Amoebas: What Are They and How to Protect Yourself

Brain-eating amoebas sound like something out of a science-fiction novel. But as the summer heats up, these are actual threats that lurk in our lakes, rivers and hot springs. These microscopic organisms can cause a range of serious illnesses if left untreated.

Infectious disease specialist, Rani Sebti, M.D., provides what you need to know about brain-eating amoebas and how to protect yourself during the warmer months while still enjoying your time outdoors.

What Are Brain-eating Amoebas?

Brain-eating amoebas, officially known as Naegleria fowleri, is a simple single-celled organism that lives in warm freshwater and soil. 

"When a person swims or dives in infected water, these parasites can enter the body through the nose," Dr. Sebti says. "Then once they are inside the body, typically up the nose, they travel to the brain and destroy the brain tissue. This can cause a severe and often fatal disease called primary amebic meningoencephalitis, or PAM."

PAM symptoms typically appear approximately 5 days after infection (but can range from one to 12 days,) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Altered mental status

"Unfortunately, the disease can progress very quickly and has a high mortality rate," says Dr. Sebti. "While brain-eating amoebas are rare, it's important to take precautions when swimming or diving in warm freshwater, especially in areas where infection has occurred before."

How to Protect Yourself

Before you head out to the lake or river this summer, Dr. Sebti provides six tips to protect yourself and stay safe.

1. Avoid swimming in lakes, rivers and hot springs with water that looks scummy or cloudy, which can be a sign of the presence of brain-eating amoebas. "These organisms tend to thrive in warm water with low levels of chlorination, so cloudy water can indicate higher levels of organic matter that can harbor the amoebas."
2. Wear nose clips when swimming in warm freshwater. "Because brain-eating amoebas enter the body through the nose, blocking that entry point can protect you against this threat," says Dr. Sebti. "Nose clips can also prevent other types of infections and irritations from bacteria and chemicals present in the water. Or if you don’t have nose clips, you can simply hold your nose.”
3. Do not dig around in the sediment of a warm freshwater. "Brain-eating amoeba can lurk in the sediment, so avoid digging around this area with your hands or feet," says Dr. Sebti.
4. Always shower after swimming. It's important to shower after swimming in warm freshwater to reduce the risk of infection from different types of microorganisms, including brain-eating amoebas, that may be present in the water. "Showering helps get rid of any lingering contaminants from your skin and hair, so you can prevent them from entering your body through your mouth or nose if you touch your face or eat food without washing your hands first," says Dr. Sebti.
5. If possible, avoid submerging your head underwater. "Submerging your head in warm freshwater can increase your risk of contracting PAM, since these parasites can enter the body through the nose," says Dr. Sebti
6. Check local advisories before heading out to swimming spots. Stay informed about potential risks and dangers in the area where you are headed. If local authorities have issued warnings, or even closed certain swimming spots due to the presence of brain-eating amoebas or other hazardous conditions, you should change your plans accordingly to avoid the risk.

"The threat of brain-eating amoebas shouldn't keep you from having an enjoyable summer outdoors," says Dr. Sebti. "While the threat is relatively rare, by taking a few precautions, you can protect yourself and your family."

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Rani Sebti, M.D., Infectious Disease Specialist at Hackensack University Medical Center & Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine 
• To make an appointment with a primary care doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.