Heading outdoors? Want to enjoy a dip in a lake or river?

Heading to outdoor areas and considering a dip for yourself or a pet in lakes, hot springs or other waters? Using a neti pot for sinus flushing?

Although rare, due to warming conditions, Naegleria fowleri has been spreading where it is found across the country. It was commonly present in many southern tier lakes in the United States during the summer. But also has been found in northern states as far north as Minnesota. Natural Hot Springs are always a risk. Warmer groundwater from non-chlorinated wells, like some in Arizona has been also been associated with it.

CDC

“Naegleria fowleri is a microscopic single-celled living ameba that occurs naturally in the environment. Usually in lake or hot springs. This ameba can cause a very serious rare infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) that destroys brain tissue and is almost always fatal,”

It rarely causes infections but can travel up the nose and into the brain. It is why they recommend using sterilized water for sinus flushing neti pots. It has been found in water heaters.

It enjoys warm temperatures. It grows best at high temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) and is less likely to be found in the water as temperatures decline below 77°F