How can I reduce the risk of infection with Naegleria?
Naegleria is found in many warm freshwater lakes and rivers in the United States, particularly in southern tier states. It is likely that a low risk of Naegleria infection will always exist with recreational use of warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The low number of infections makes it difficult to know why some people have been infected compared to the millions of other people using the same or similar waters across the U.S. The only known way to prevent Naegleria infections is to refrain from water-related activities. However, some measures that might reduce risk by limiting the chance of contaminated water going up the nose include: • Avoid water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs, and thermally-polluted water such as water around power plants. • Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels. • Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when taking part in water-related activities in
