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Most Naegleria fowleri infections are associated with swimming in warm freshwater lakes and rivers. However, very rarely, Naegleria fowleri has caused deaths associated with tap or faucet water going up the nose . Naegleria fowleri can grow in public and private water tanks and pipes, especially where little or no disinfectant (like chlorine or chloramine) is present. It can also grow in the pipes and water heaters of homes and buildings. Naegleria fowleri infections have been reported when people put their heads underwater, rinse their sinuses through the nose, and cleanse their noses during religious practices using contaminated tap or faucet water. Visit the pages below to learn how you and your water utility company can protect your health.
Naegleria fowleri is a free-living ameba that causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a disease of the central nervous system.1, 2 PAM is a rare disease* that is almost always fatal. In the United States,** there have been 157 PAM infections from 1962 through 2022 with only four survivors. These infections have primarily occurred in southern-tier states, with almost half of all infections occurring in Texas and Florida. PAM also disproportionately affects males and children. The reason for this distribution pattern is unclear but may reflect the types of water activities (such as diving or watersports) that might be more common among young boys.
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