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.