How To Prevent Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Amoebic meningoencephalitis, also known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, is an aggressive disease caused by the Naegleria fowleri amoeba. They are thermophilic, or heat-loving, microscopic organisms that live in warm freshwater and soil. They can also be found in river or lake beds where they feed on bacteria in the water and cause infection when they get into the nasal passage and travel to the brain. This causes swelling to the meninges and death in most cases. Initial symptoms include a severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever. These symptoms can begin from one to nine days after exposure. Amoebic meningoencephalitis is not contagious, and it cannot be contracted by drinking contaminated water.