Naegleria :: Steps to reduce the risk of infection with Naegleria

Naegleria is found in many freshwater lakes and rivers in the United States, particularly in southern tier states. Therefore, it is likely that a low risk of Naegleria infection will always be associated with swimming in warm freshwater lakes, rivers, and hot springs.

Some measures that may reduce this risk include:

– Avoid swimming or jumping into bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs, and thermally-polluted water such a water around power plants.

– Avoid swimming or jumping into freshwater during periods of high temperature and low water volume.

– Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when jumping or diving into bodies of warm freshwater such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.

– Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while swimming in shallow, warm freshwater areas.

– Do not swim in areas posted as “no swimming” or in areas warning about an increased risk of Naegleria infection.

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