
Brain-eating amoebas: What you must know about the risk of swimming in fresh water
Fox News
Swimming in lakes, rivers and streams can lead to a rare infection caused by Nagleria fowleri, a bacteria more commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba. An expert shares prevention tips.
Nagleria fowleri can cause the deadly primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), which destroys brain tissue, according to the CDC. July, August and September are the highest-risk months. "Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected." "The best protection would be to avoid immersing your head when swimming in the summer." Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
Of the 157 people known to be infected in the U.S. between 1962 and 2022, only four individuals survived — meaning the death rate is more than 97%.