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.

There are a few ways to prevent this rare infection from occurring. Learn about them now.

Cleaning Pools And Spas Regularly And Properly

Cleaning pools and spas regularly and properly is essential. Pools and spas should be chlorinated and must be kept at a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8. Chlorine can lose its effectiveness at killing germs at pH levels above eight Since Naegleria fowleri can live in temperatures of up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, spas and hot tubs must also be adequately chlorinated.

Chlorine and pH levels must also be checked on a regular basis. Many factors can lower the effectiveness of chlorine. Chlorine breaks down dirt, body oils, sweat, and urine from swimmers. If there are a lot of swimmers, there is less chlorine available to kill microbes. The amoebae cannot live in salinized water, so salt-water pools and the ocean pose little to no risk to swimmers.

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Emptying Wading Pools Daily

Wading pools are prone to quick temperature increases due to their typically small size. They are often used to clean bare feet from dirt or grass before entering a larger pool. This means dirt can quickly collect on the bottom of the pool. Naegleria fowleri is found in soil along with other bacteria. They can be carried into wading pools on an individual and feed on other bacteria in the warm water. This can prevent these amoebae from entering the larger pool, but it is also essential not to let small children play in a wading type pool. Emptying wading pools daily and spraying them out with water and a bleach-based cleaner will help prevent the amoebae from proliferating.

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Holding Nose When Jumping Into Water

Since Naegleria fowleri cause infection by traveling through the nose into the brain, it is imperative to practice holding the nose when jumping into the water. Individuals can simply plug their nostrils with their thumb and forefinger or use a nose clip to hold their nostrils shut. Depending on the velocity of the jumps, nose clips or even fingers can fly off the nose. Avoiding the types of jumping that would cause the amoebae to be forced into the nostrils will help negate the chances of contracting them. Cannonball-type jumping or jumping from high ledges could increase the chances of forcing the amoebae into the nasal passages. If these types of jumping are to be done, holding nose when jumping into water will reduce the risk of infection.

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Keeping Hoses Away From The Nose

The garden hose is another place prone to quick increases in temperatures. It only takes minutes in direct sunlight to warm up a hose. Whether full of water or with residual water left in it, Naegleria fowleri can thrive in hoses. They are typically not disinfected or cleaned regularly, allowing for bacterial growth. The amoebae thrive in the heat and feed on the bacteria, making this a perfect habitat for them. Though individuals cannot get amoebic meningoencephalitis from drinking water from a garden hose, keeping hoses away from the nose is imperative. These amoebae can infect someone through the hose water if it is sprayed in the nose.

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No Diving In Warm Surface Waters

No diving in warm surface waters ensures individuals will not be exposed to Naegleria fowleri. Diving is another way the amoebae can be forced into the nasal passages. Diving in unfamiliar ponds, lakes, or rivers is not a safe practice in any case. Fallen trees, boulders, and other debris could be lurking just below the surface of the water. Diving in rivers can be especially dangerous since water levels rise and retreat. This disease is very rare, but almost always deadly. Keeping warm, stagnant water out of the nose is imperative. Any action that involves the possible forcing of water into the nose is best avoided.