Brain-eating ameba (Naegleria fowleri)

Naegleria fowleri more commonly known as “brain-eating ameba” is a type of free-living ameba (single-celled organisms) commonly found in soil and warm freshwater environments. It can cause a rare, devastating brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Infection occurs only when water enters the nose. You cannot be infected from swallowing water. In the early stages of infection, symptoms may resemble bacterial meningitis. Later symptoms include stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention, loss of balance, seizures, and hallucinations. Naegleria fowleri cannot be spread from person to person.